The Carbuncle Awards, organised by Glasgow-based architectural magazine Urban Design, seek to find the worst examples of architecture and design in the country.

News of the nomination has met with mixed reaction from the Lochgelly community with the awards branded "childish" and "a publicity stunt".

Last year Glenrothes won, sparking outrage among local politicians and community groups.

Parts of Lochgelly were described by award organisers as having a "funereal air" and the closure of the Lochgelly Centre, currently being refurbished, was flagged up as a negative.

But the nomination came as no surprise to local councillor Mark Hood.

He said: "This was to be expected after Lochgelly hosted one of the Scottish Government's charrette series which examined urban design in Scottish towns.

"This nomination shows the award up for what it really is – a publicity stunt designed to promote an obscure architecture magazine.''

Councillor Ian Chisholm believes the award penalises the people who live in the nominated towns, rather than architects and planners who design them.

He added: "Given the rundown in Fife's mining towns after the Thatcher years it is little wonder towns like Lochgelly are in need of a little TLC. Perhaps the body responsible for these childish so-called awards would be better employed in repairing the damage to our towns."

Lochgelly and other nominees - East Kilbride, Inverness, John O'Groats and Denny - will find out who is 'successful' in August.

The Glenrothes experience ...

Tricia Marwick, Central Fife MSP

The Carbuncle 'judges' are self appointed, self opinionated and care nothing for the communities they label and smear.

My advice is to ignore them.

People in Glenrothes were angry and bemused at the award. Glenrothes had just won the Best Large Town category in Scotland in Bloom contest and just after the Carbuncle, reached the finals of the Britain in Bloom contest.

At a time when we are all pulling together to keep and increase employment this so called award, served no-ones interest beyond the so-called judges.