Just over an hour west of Scotland’s capital,
Edinburgh, is the city of Glasgow. Once a small fishing village, Glasgow grew into one of the great seaports
during the industrial revolution, its influence rippling to every corner of
the globe. A city forged upon the wealth of seafaring trade, it is graced with architectural masterpieces, green estates, and imposing modern-day marvels. However, the people of Glasgow remain fiercely proud of their working-class roots and celebrate their industrial heritage alongside the elegance and extravagance that followed. Explore this city’s unique variation of
style and character at George Square, the center of it all. Adorned with statues and plaques of the city’s
most important historical figures, it stands as a venerated time-capsule of the
city’s rich past. The Gallery of Modern Art is a five-minute
walk southwest from here. The neoclassical building was once the townhouse
of an affluent tobacco lord. Though timeworn on the outside, inside the
gallery is an explosion of modern creativity. Guarding the entrance to the gallery is the
Duke of Wellington atop his trusty steed. The irreverent Scots don’t take authority
– or themselves – too seriously, and they have a tradition of accessorizing
the duke at every opportunity. There’s no better way to delve into the
culture of this fun-loving city, than by joining the parade on Buchanan Street. Glasgow’s “Style Mile” is home to some
of the city’s finest shopping, architecture and a few of its quirkier additions. Looming over the city’s north-east are the
brooding spires of Glasgow Cathedral. This 12th century work-of-art has been the
set for period television dramas, and rightly so! To step beneath its medieval arches takes
you on an 800-year journey back in time. On the hill behind the cathedral lies Glasgow Necropolis, a timeworn Victorian cemetery. Some 50,000 souls have been laid to rest here, and with a view this good of the city, you’re sure to find a little peace too. Just a 20-minute drive from the city center
is Bothwell Castle, a not-so-peaceful remnant of the past. Originally built in the 13th century, the castle was the subject of a gruesome tug-of-war
with England for most its history and played a crucial role in Scotland’s Wars of Independence. While kings and clans clashed for hundreds
of years at Bothwell, today’s battles are fiercely fought at Hampden Park, kthe national soccer stadium
(football to the Scots). This venue frequently hosts rousing matches, so try to catch a game while you’re here. Home to over 90 parks and gardens, Glasgow aptly translates to ‘dear green
place’ in Gaelic. Despite the often-inclement weather, these green spaces are always full of cheery Scots. Admire the city views at Queen’s Park and find yourself transported to a tropical oasis when you enter the display house and nursery. Overlooking the banks of the River Clyde are the Scottish Exhibition and Conference
Centre and the SSE Hydro, the city’s most popular performance venues. These buildings are a striking showcase of
the city’s modern style and draw some of the world’s brightest international
superstars each year. Further west is the Titan at Clydebank. This 150-foot crane was completed in 1907 and would once hoist engines and boilers into
the bellies of vast trading ships. Though not as easy on the eye as some of Glasgow’s
other landmarks, the Titan is a powerful symbol of the city’s
historic industrial might. But it’s not all hard graft here in Glasgow. Take a trip out to the West End, whose streets
are lined with cafés, bars and restaurants. While some are firmly traditional, others offer something just a little more
contemporary. Grab a coffee, then walk to the nearby Botanic Gardens to enjoy another of the city’s impeccably
manicured green spaces. The West End area is a place of culture, creativity and learning, and its modern style balances perfectly with
its historic influences. An attraction which exemplifies this balance
is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. The building houses an immense
natural history exhibit, one of the finest collections of arms and
armor in the world, and countless priceless works from illustrious artists. The West End is also the birthplace of higher
education in Glasgow. Founded in 1451, the University of Glasgow
is one of the oldest, and most distinguished, learning institutions
in the world. Glasgow is a city which ties together elements
from all walks of life. This is a city built upon the toil and sacrifice
of its forefathers, and the rewards of their innovation and daring. From stately homes to stark infrastructure, from castles to modern concert venues, the city’s seamless marriage of the earthy and the elaborate make it so perfectly Scottish and so very… well… Glasgow.
