Alan Taylor's Diary
Paisley, a town in Scotland, has its fair share of detractors. The Carbuncle Awards, organized by Prospect magazine, recently named Cumbernauld as the Most Dismal Town in Scotland, which caused Paisley to receive numerous nominations for the same award. The diverse opinions about Paisley range from disgruntled locals expressing their dissatisfaction to outsiders who have their own unique perceptions of the town.
A Closer Look at Paisley
On a recent visit to Paisley as part of the judging panel for the Carbuncle Awards, I was pleasantly surprised by what I found. From the beautiful Abbey to the impressive municipal HQ and the serene river Cart, Paisley has its fair share of positives. The town is known for producing notable figures like media mogul Andra Neil, renowned banker Fred Goodwin, and singer Kelly Marie. These factors initially painted a favorable picture of Paisley in my mind.
The Piazza: A Love or Hate Relationship
One of the notable places we visited in Paisley was the Piazza, a shopping center that has divided opinions among locals. Some labeled it a "white elephant," while others disparagingly referred to it as similar to a polar bear. Despite the conflicting views, the Piazza can pride itself on having one of the top 50 post office branches in the UK. Maybe it's not such a bad spot for philatelists who enjoy collecting and sending mail!
What's the Matter with Glasgow?
Starting our journey in Glasgow's east end, it became apparent that the city was undergoing significant transformation in anticipation of the 2014 Commonwealth Games. However, the focus on new developments and building on the green belt raised questions about the abundance of available brownfield sites near the city center. The debate surrounding construction and preservation is not unique to Glasgow, as it seems that anywhere in Scotland, building or altering existing structures triggers outcry.
Oatlands: A Glimpse of Neglect
In Oatlands, a neighborhood neighboring the Gorbals, vacant land and boarded-up council houses painted a grim picture. While new two-storey homes have been constructed, it's hard to weigh whether they are better or worse than the deteriorating council houses that await demolition. The controversial development plans aim to build a total of 1000 homes in the area.
Springfield Quay: Charmless Charm
A visit to the Springfield Quay on the banks of the Clyde revealed a mixed bag of amenities. From a Guantanamo Bay-esque hotel called Etap to a less glamorous casino, the Quay's potential as a cultural hub remains unrealized. Despite its proximity to media complexes housing the BBC and STV, the absence of public foot or cycle paths along the riverbanks dampens the area's appeal.
In the Land that Time Forgot
Our next stop took us to Coatbridge, a place that seemed to blend together with other nearby locations. Coatbridge's swimming pool, once a centerpiece of the town, now stands empty and decaying. On the brighter side, the Time Capsule leisure center offers a unique experience in a "prehistoric environment." Coatbridge's assortment of significant figures, including musicians Fran and Anna Kane, and Rena Costello, the first wife of notorious mass murderer Fred West, adds some intriguing history to the town.
The Royal Squeal of Disapproval
As the light faded, we arrived in Cumbernauld, a town notorious for its undesirable reputation. The Antonine Centre is a prime example of what led Cumbernauld to win the Plook on the Plinth award. Its expansion only doubled its miserable appearance. The humungous Tesco Extra is often cited as the only redeeming feature of the town. However, in comparison to the rest of Cumbernauld, even Tesco stands out like a palace. The lack of coverage from the media increased the inconvenience of documenting Cumbernauld's dismal state.
Hotels: Essential Accommodation for a Visit
When planning a visit to any of these places, finding suitable accommodation is crucial. Fortunately, all these towns and cities offer a range of hotel options to cater to various needs and budgets.
Paisley Hotel Recommendations
- [Hotel 1 Name]: Located [Location], this hotel offers [amenities]. It is conveniently situated near [attractions]. Prices range from [price range].
- [Hotel 2 Name]: Situated [Location], this hotel provides [amenities]. It is within close proximity to [attractions]. Prices range from [price range].
Glasgow Hotel Recommendations
- [Hotel 1 Name]: Located [Location], this hotel offers [amenities]. It is conveniently situated near [attractions]. Prices range from [price range].
- [Hotel 2 Name]: Situated [Location], this hotel provides [amenities]. It is within close proximity to [attractions]. Prices range from [price range].
Coatbridge Hotel Recommendations
- [Hotel 1 Name]: Located [Location], this hotel offers [amenities]. It is conveniently situated near [attractions]. Prices range from [price range].
- [Hotel 2 Name]: Situated [Location], this hotel provides [amenities]. It is within close proximity to [attractions]. Prices range from [price range].
Cumbernauld Hotel Recommendations
- [Hotel 1 Name]: Located [Location], this hotel offers [amenities]. It is conveniently situated near [attractions]. Prices range from [price range].
- [Hotel 2 Name]: Situated [Location], this hotel provides [amenities]. It is within close proximity to [attractions]. Prices range from [price range].