Small town dubbed 'most depressing place to live' defended as 'wee gem'

Scotland is brimming with hidden treasures, and while Edinburgh and St Andrews often steal the spotlight, there are numerous lesser-known locales that are equally enchanting. And while every Scottish city, town, and village boasts its own unique charm, some have faced criticism from locals or visitors for various reasons.

One Scottish village in particular was dubbed the "bottom of the world" in an online critique. In a similar vein, another location was labelled as one of themost "depressing" places in Scotland.

In 2024, Alloa was ranked among the "most depressing places to live in Scotland". The Clackmannanshire town was placed fourth on a list compiled by ILiveHere, which assessed the least inviting places in the nation. It comes directly after UK's five worst seaside towns were named - including a resort with a one-star beach.

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Alloa was condemned in the ranking as "culturally devoid and one of the most deprived places in Scotland", even earning the title "Scotland's first entry on our depression succession."

In response to this unflattering portrayal, then-MP for Ochil and South Perthshire John Nicholson spoke out against the list, instead praising Alloa as a "wee gem".

Speaking to the Alloa and Hillforts Advertiser, Mr Nicholson said: "I love Alloa. With its cute wynds, grand merchant houses, and majestic civic architecture, it is a sometimes-overlooked wee gem. Like any fine gem, Alloa could benefit from a polish too at the hands of the descendants of the skills craftsmen who built and enhanced it.

"Aside from the fact this poll is mean-spirited, it is also nonsensical as anyone who lives in or visits the town can attest." As Nicholson points out, there's no shortage of attractions and activities around Alloa. Though it has previously been branded amongst Scotland's "most depressing" locations, it's certainly worth exploring.

Alloa sits roughly eight miles east of Stirling city, housing approximately 14,000 residents. The town flourished during the industrial revolution, with glassmaking, textiles, and brewing forming its main commercial sectors, reports the Daily Record.

The town is perhaps most famous for Alloa Tower, a tower house thought to originate from the early 14th century. As one of Scotland's oldest and most substantial tower houses, this historic structure has been meticulously restored and features prominently on the region's 'Tower Trail'.

Additional must-see spots in Alloa include the Town Hall and St Mungo's Parish Church. The Town Hall holds Category C listed status, whilst the church was constructed in 1819.

The town also boasts a number ofpicturesque parks, with Greenfield Park and West End Public Park being the standout attractions. Greenfield Park is home to a play area equipped with a variety of play equipment and the three-storey sandstone Greenfield House, while West End Public Park is a dog-friendly spot perfect for a stroll with your four-legged companion.

Furthermore, Alloa offers a plethora of popular dining options. The town is peppered with a variety of cafés, restaurants, pubs, and more. The Royal Oak Alloa is one of the premier spots in the area, serving both food and drink and featuring live music. Meanwhile, The Old Brewery, a former brewery, is famed for its friendly service.

For more information about Alloa and its rich history, visit the VisitScotland website.