The Pock Mark Award

Devil's Pulpit, Fallich Glen (Stirlingshire)

At the Devil's Pulpit, it was almost immediately obvious it's a total tourist magnet death trap. There is only one safe (ish) way down into the gorge and despite the vast size of the area, there is not even one directional sign to guide visitors.

There are about 3 safety warning signs highlighting the dangerous steep sides but absolutely not even a 50-pence arrow saying this way to the steps. Almost like local authority and/or the tourist board trying to deny any accountability? ( after writing this I have discovered the land is privately owned and has had planning permission approved, although likely now expired)

Also very odd "fly tipping". Towels or rags tied to trees in the gorge and dozens of chequered patterned bulk DIY bags all over the place. Like the bags you would bulk order soil or bark for gardening jobs in.

The steps look Victorian and after a partial collapse have more of a Petra V Indiana Jones vibe about them. There is also the remains of a handrail about halfway down with a crucial crossbar missing. The steps also have a constant flow of water running down them. I would say this would be an easy fix by adding drainage at the top to redirect natural flow around that area.

Nominated by: Tom Burke

Harbour Dunes Cafe (Aberdeenshire)

Carbuncle Location: Port Erroll Harbour, Cruden Bay Reason for nomination: The structure made from containers supposedly blends well with the surrounding 19th century built heritage and sits in a Conservation Area. Nominated by: Edward Savage

Netherurd East Lodge (Borders)

Carbuncle Location: 312268 644901 Netherurd, Blyth Bridge, Scottish Borders

Reason for nomination: 21/01908/FUL was recommended for refusal because the proposed works would dramatically alter the appearance of a simple and traditionally detailed lodge building through the addition of an additional storey. The development was seen as contrary to policy PMD2 of the then Local Development Plan 2016 in that criterion i) requires that any extension or alteration is appropriate to the existing building. The proposed development was seen as unsympathetic to both the existing building and the surrounding context in terms of scale, form and materials. The decision was reviewed and the LRB decided to grant the review. One local member said "I don't see a problem with this". Work has now started and the building is a shell.

Nominated by: Raghnall

Wyndford High Flats (Glasgow)

Carbuncle Location: Maryhill Road Glasgow Award Category: Pock Mark Award (worst planning decision)

Reason for nomination: Glasgow has demolished almost one quarter of its high rise blocks in the past 25 years; apparently in an effort to move on from its destructive past and a future which focussed more on regeneration, community engagement and in creating a positive future for its people. Encouraging a more enlightened approach to its high-rise housing by saving and refitting many to give them a new lease of life.

Yet, at Wyndford that more enlightened and progressive attitude toward saving high rise flats; promoting community participation and local engagement in development was set aside. The Wyndford Residents Union fought a long battle against the needless demolition of six hundred flats in Wyndford and the destruction of their homes.

The campaign waged, in return, against WRU by the housing association and supported by Glasgow City Council and was marred by the trumpeting of misleading information and their refusal to meet with those residents and the community to find a satisfactory resolution. In demolishing the high rise flats at Wyndford. the housing association and Glasgow city council destroyed buildings of real social and historical significance and importance to the city, set within a unique, cultivated landscape which cannot now be replaced - but could have been saved and successfully retrofitted.

Nominated by: Alan Dunlop