An ordinary little town has suddenly been named one of the UK’s worst places to live. Alloa, in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, has been listed as one of the most depressing towns in the UK.
The town has come fourth in a list of 20 behind Aberdeen, Peterborough, and Falmouth. While Alloa’s position is surprising, it appears to be a new entry on the list.
According to ILiveHere, Alloa is “culturally devoid and one of the most deprived places in Scotland”. They added that the town was “Scotland’s first entry on our depression succession”.
Following the result, MP John Nicholson has hit back at the list and Alloa’s position on it, defending and praising the town.
Mr Nicholson told the Alloa and Hillforts Advertiser : “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.”
Mr Nicholson, the SNP MP for Ochil and South Perthshire, also highlighted the things he loved the most about Alloa and discussed its fascinating history.
He explained: “Alloa got in early when it came to the artwork of Andy Scott. He made all six of the remarkable roundabout sculptures in and around Alloa. Alloa is lucky to have them. The historic footpath offers just the absolute best views from its foot, over the Firth of Forth, and at points all along its route such as the Auchinbaird windmill.
“There is an incredible sense of solidarity in Alloa. None of us are blind to the difficulties that poverty, isolation and ill health can bring. But as severe as these challenges are, there are many good people here who devote their time to helping their neighbours.”
Mr Nicolson later said that the “wider Alloa area has a bevvy of good options to enjoy a pint or glass in Alloa” and that people can “raise a drink to this fine town”.
As well as a bustling present, Alloa is also a town that has a long and illustrious history filled with interesting developments.
Located in the Central Lowlands of Scotland, Alloa is north east of Glasgow and just a few miles from the city of Stirling.
For a long time under the control of the Erskine family, the town became known as one of Scotland’s main brewing locations during the 18th century.
Fast forward to the 19th century and as technology developed, so did the town with the introduction of steamboats operating out of Alloa harbour the construction of Alloa Academy in the 1820s.
What’s more, Alloa was also once a hub of wool, weaving, glassmaking, and malt distilling, making it an industrial powerhouse in the 18th and 19th centuries. Fast forward to the 21st century and there are plenty of things to see and do in the town.
The famous Alloa Tower, the St Mungos Parish Church, and the Tullibody Heritage Centre are just a couple of the attractions tourists can get their teeth into.
The Alloa Tower is a particular highlight. Built around the 14th century, it was constructed to protect the town and guard an important nearby ferry crossing.
Praising the tower on TripAdvisor, PeterH_and_LizB said: “We walked to Alloa to find the tower. It stands between Tesco and the police station. However, what a fabulous place.
“Beautifully restored. Interesting paintings and heirlooms. A well and a dungeon. Knowledgeable and friendly staff full of helpful information. And the views from the top are amazing. A must-visit.”
Clackmannanshire Council has been approached for comment.
