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Glasgow sits in the heart of kilts and bagpipes—Scotland.

While Glasgow and Edinburgh share the same title as the principal cities of Scotland, the former has not been enjoying the same limelight as the latter.  Glasgow remains quiet and mysterious.  You would think that this place does not have anything to offer.  However, one visit to Glasgow and you will definitely realize, in the very same instant that your feet touch its grounds, that there’s more to this seemingly shy city than meets the eye.

Pronounced as “glaaz-go” by the natives, the origins of this city go all the way back to ancient times. Glasgow will offer you totally different setting that is far from that of a fairy-tale but one that oozes with life.  Glasgow radiates a feeling of joy with its lively culture and its convivial people. If you are seeking to immerse yourself in a place known for its big-city feel in the heart of Scotland, Glasgow is the place to go.

Archaeologists have uncovered evidence of Roman settlements in Glasgow but the city formally took root in the 6th century when St. Kentigern (or St. Mungo) built a monastery where the Glasgow Cathedral now proudly stands. The site sits on a hillside, along a burn or creek that feeds into the River Clyde.  The place is suitable for a settlement as it was sitting in a fitting point to ford that mighty river before it embraces the sea. The city was in fact aptly named as Glasgow or glascau, which when translated means dear green place.

In the 18th century, Glasgow became the economic powerhouse of Scotland. Quickly growing to be the country’s largest city, Glasgow has made its way into the league of the largest cities in the whole of UK.  Besting its rivals in the tobacco trade to the New World, Glasgow soared to international fame with its shipbuilding and docks that gave the world the fabled ocean liners such as the Queen Mary and the Queen Elizabeth. Glasgow practically became the “Second City” of the British Empire.

Glasgow may have broken the ice by becoming known worldwide with its shipbuilding prowess but postindustrial decline gave the city a poor reputation especially when compared to the more alluring Edinburgh and its enduring charms. Those who may have seen the city in the 1970’s will surely have a different story to tell than those who have seen Glasgow for what it is now… a safe, vibrant and cosmopolitan city.

But all that changed though in the 1980s. Glasgow made a complete turnaround, totally changing its fortune by becoming the contemporary cultural capital of Scotland, drawing talent from all across United Kingdom, be it art or rock and roll. Glasgow’s monumental Victorian buildings emerged to shine from their grimy state when decades of dirt and stain were sandblasted away. One of these Victorian buildings became a permanent home for Europe’s best collections of art. In the 1990’s the city of Glasgow earned the title as the European Capital of Culture. Tourists began flocking the city to view the famed art collections of Europe. Glasgow was back on its feet again riding the road to worldwide fame. Where Glasgow once gave the world ships and ocean liners, this time Glasgow offered the world the famed architects of Alexander Thomson and Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Glasgow has made its mark in the lovers of art and culture, if you are one of them, a visit to Glasgow is one you will never want to miss.

The city of Glasgow does not only offer the beauty of art alone but it is a great gateway for people who want to explore Burns Country in Ayrshire to the southwest as well. Visitors of this vibrant city can take a tour to Loch Lommond and take a picturesque shot of the Highlands or they can also visit the Stirling and Trossach Mountains which are just less than an hour’s travel away. They can even visit the scenic estuary of the Firth of Clyde, with islands just a short ferry ride away.
Glasgow is a beautiful city all right but like any modern city, Glasgow is not a city without flaws.  Despite that, Glasgow remains a beautiful place to visit where past becomes the mark of the future. Glasgow may have done away with a few reminders of the past and have introduced modernism into its soil but undoubtedly, it is still the greatest thriving model of Victorian city.

So experience the regal days of the past in a totally modern fashion—come to the city of Glasgow

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