IT IS the one award they would definitely rather not win, but two West Lothian towns are in the early running for an award to find Britain's most dismal place to live.
Livingston and Polbeth are among those nominated for the 2010 Plook on the Plinth Award, which seeks
to shine a light on the country's ugliest locales.
While the official shortlist will not be compiled until the spring, Livingston is among the early front-runners after being nominated by local residents.
Despite the town attracting major re-development projects such as the award-winning £130 million extension to The Centre shopping complex in the town centre, one resident, Abigail Stewart, has described its "soullessness".
The flagship West Lothian town is also described as suffering from a "preponderance of grey harling and roundabouts".
Meanwhile, Polbeth resident Gavin Montgomery says his village suffers from poor infrastructure and a bleeding of retail and jobs to its larger neighbour (Livingston).
Organisers have extended the search to include the whole of the UK after previous years focused solely on Scotland, with winners including Glenrothes and Cumbernauld – both new towns like Livingston.
West Lothian Council leader Peter Johnston, who is a councillor for the Livingston South ward, defended the town as being "young, vibrant and a great place to live, work and do business".
He added: "I am frankly astonished that Livingston is associated with this accolade and I'm sure the vast majority of people would agree.
"Livingston has been transformed in recent years.
"There are also numerous leisure facilities providing many activities for people of all ages. Millions of pounds have been spent on new play areas in and around the town, which provide wonderful green areas for families to enjoy.
"The new Howden Park Centre was completed last year and was designed by award-wining architects. The arts venue has received praise for its innovative design.
"There are many reasons why Livingston is a great town.
"However, rather than take my word for it, I'd encourage everyone to visit Livingston and find out for themselves."
He also said public art enhanced Livingston's landscape.
John Glenday, who sits on the judging panel, said early nominations had seen "staples" such as Glenrothes returning, but added that a past winner was unlikely to score a second triumph.
He said: "We have a judging team which will begin whittling down the nominations in the coming months. We've seen a lot of the old staples returning, but we're looking to cast the net a bit wider this year."
The UK winner is expected to be announced in June.
