Glasgow

Though considered Scotland’s second city after Edinburgh it is actually the larger of the two and for it’s vibrancy alone should not be overlooked.

While Edinburgh boasts a rich history and heritage, Glasgow’s appeal is more modern and lies in it’s chaotic urban energy, it’s upbeat atmosphere, it’s dynamic nightlife, and it’s black humour or as the locals would say it’s ‘banter’.

On the banks of the river Clyde, Glasgow largely came into being through the Highland Clearances and the population boom it brought and the tobacco trade between Europe and the USA in the 18th Century. Glasgow continued to prosper as the trade hub for many industries and throughout the 19th Century was considered by some as the second city of the British Empire. This was the maritime city’s golden age and much of the impressive architectural sites such as George Square, the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery and the University buildings date back to then. Also many of Glasgow’s most famous sons such as James Watt, inventor of the modern steam engine, and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh emerged during this time.

It’s more recent history however has been less ostentatious. Throughout the 70s and 80s Glasgow was seriously run down. But the city came back fighting and in 1990 won European City of Culture which rejuvenated the city and brought much needed investment and redevelopment to create Glasgow as it appears now.

Like many urban cities Glasgow can offer a strange mix of sights. There are many museums, galleries and architecture, testament to its industrial history and urban legacy. Though it is the city’s contemporary facets that many visitors find most attractive. Glasgow is the largest retail centre in the UK outside London, it’s range of shops as well as places like The Merchant City and the West End with their lively nightlife, plentiful restaurants, and sheer spiritedness, make Glasgow a place to visit, even if only briefly.