Cumbernauld wins Civic Pride award

The town beat off fierce challenges from six other areas, including the likes of Peebles and Linlithgow, to scoop the Civic Pride Award.

And hopes are high it will go a long way to ridding Cumbernauld of its “concrete jungle” image, a perception fostered by the notorious “Carbuncle” awards.

Jack Shennan, editor of the Cumbernauld News and Kilsyth Chronicle, is set to pick up the award on behalf of the town at a black tie dinner in Glasgow tonight. He was also interviewed by the BBC in connection with the story.

Jack said: “I am delighted for the town, which has been long overdue some positive coverage from the wider media.

“To continually hold people to account for planning failures of some 40 years ago is not only unfair, it is also illogical.

“With their votes the people of Cumbernauld have sent a clear message that they love and value their town for many different reasons, and I am proud to accept this award on their behalf.”

Cumbernauld and Kilsyth MSP Jamie Hepburn is set to log a motion in the Scottish Parliament congratulating the town and those involved with the award following its presentation.

Mr Hepburn said: “This is a great achievement for the people of Cumbernauld who should be proud of this award and their town.”

For more on this story, see Wednesday’s News and Chronicle.