Chasing Amy-Lou

With the Commonwealth Games kicking off in Glasgow next week I thought it only appropriate to write a post about just how fantastic this city truly is. My second home for almost six years, Glasgow continues to grow culturally, economically and socially and is more than due some well deserved recognition. Forget the bad-press, forget the past, forget Edinburgh, it’s all about the future, as Glasgow is set to pave the way for a new cultural and tourist revolution.

A little bit of brief history:

Glasgow benefited massively from the industrial revolution in the 18th Century, transforming from a small merchant town into a huge industrious city; it was monumental in the ship-building industry which still remains today, if not somewhat to a lesser degree, and played major roles in British trade and manufacturing. Despite facing mass economical and social decline throughout the 1960s which led to cultural deprivation right through to the 1980s, its ability to regenerate itself and keep going through dark times has made it one of the hardest, toughest and most down-to-earth cities you will perhaps ever visit. Even though some areas, mainly the East End, are still considered to be in social decline, the city as a whole continues to thrive, breed and improve, and it’s easy to see why.

The largest city in Scotland (yep, that’s right, even Edinburgh can’t boast a population which, according to the 2011 census was the third largest in the UK) is a sprawling metropolis sitting neatly on the River Clyde. This hub of activity with its impressive architecture, deep and important history, developing city centre and ever-increasing reputation as a sought after tourist destination provides a gateway to the stunning highlands, Ben Nevis, Loch Lomond and much, much more.

What to do:

If you’re staying in the city for any length of time during the Commonwealth Games this summer then you really must check out what Glasgow has to offer. The trouble is, there’s so much to see and do, it makes it hard to recommend just one or two of its many endearing attractions.

Starting with culture, Glasgow houses some of the most fascinating and impressive museums in the whole of the UK. It wasn’t named European Capital of culture in 1990 for nothing! Take a trip to the West End and explore the famous Kelvingrove museum (free entry but donations are accepted, open 10am-5pm all year round), or visit the exciting and interactive Science Centre which sits on the bank of the river Clyde on Pacific Quay (Mon-Sun 10am-5pm, entry from £10.50). The newly relocated Transport (Riverside Museum) museum can also be found on the Clyde and boasts some interesting artefacts and information about the Glasgow transport network.

Skip back into the City Centre and right at the edge of the Merchant City, on Royal Exchange Square sits GoMa, a small and intricate museum of modern art offering (Free admission, Mon-Sun, opening hours vary). Heading out towards the East End, along Argyle Street is the Trongate 103 Museum which demonstrates ‘all culture under one roof’ and provides a creative centre for the arts and is home to a range of Glasgow-based creative organisations (Tues-Sun, Free admission).

The Glasgow Police Museum, an exploration of the UKs first Police force is there for your perusing pleasure on Bell Street (Free admission, Mon-Sun); while taking the short walk from here over to High Street you’ll find the St Mungo Museum of Religious Life and Art (Free entry, open Tues-Sun). Venture further still to the east, almost bordering the infamous Gorbals area, at the beginning of Bridgeton, right in the centre of picturesque Glasgow Green sits the magnificent People’s Palace (Free entry, Open Tues-Sun), a breathtaking building which towers over the impressive Terracotta Fountain – worth a trip here if only to see its beauty.

If museums aren’t your thing then why not immerse yourselves in the rich history of Scottish football. Despite sectarianism still being very prevalent in the footballing community in and around Glasgow, and violence still being combated and tackled by local and national police, who work within local communities to eradicate anti-social and sectarian behaviour Glasgow is well known and revered for being the home of two of the most famous football clubs in the world – Celtic and Rangers. Celtic Park is located in the heart of the East End, directly opposite the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome which was specially made for the Commonwealth Games. Ibrox, the home of Rangers, towers and rules over a vast space further south and west of the river, in Govan, and is impressive if only for its invading red-bricked fascia. Trips and tours to each of the grounds are available most days of the week. Just head to the club websites for more information.

Moving more central, why not get lost in the fabulous and overwhelming shopping districts of Scotlands largest city. The Style Mile stretching from Arygle street to Buchanan Galleries is teaming with designer and high street stores to keep even the keenest shopping addict busy for days, let alone hours. With stores from John Lewis to Selfridges, Frasers to Debenhams; shops such as Coast, Office, Ted Baker, Nike, Schuh, Forever 21, Urban Outfitters, American Apparel and many, many more, it’s clear to see why people flock to Glasgow as an alternative to the hustle and bustle of London…and it does not pale in comparison!

If you head out of the City Centre, towards the West End and hit Byres Road, Great Western Road and the surrounding lanes you’ll find some quaint vintage shops, many a retro store and some intricate little coffee shops and internet cafes, as well as an abundance of fantastic restaurants and bars, each offering their own take on Scottish and multi-cultural cuisine. A few favourites of mine include The Squid and Whale on Great Western Road, La Vita Spuntini on Byres Road and Vodka Wodka on must-visit cobbled street, Ashton Lane.

The West End, as well as being one of the more affluent areas of Glasgow (just take a look at the impressive tenements on Great Western Road and around Hillhead or Hyndland) is a popular student haunt, for the University of Glasgow (one of three popular academic institutions the city can boast about) sits nicely behind the vast Kelvingrove Park. The area offers a stark and welcoming contrast to the more conventional sights of Buchanan and Argyle Street and wandering around these streets could feel like you’re a million miles away from the crowded city centre. The West End will also be hosting several events throughout the Games, with the Lawn Bowls taking place at the Kelvingrove Lawn Bowls Centre and Scotstoun Sports Campus holding the Squash and Table Tennis competitions.

Possibly my favourite thing about Glasgow is the nightlife and music scene. The city has championed some outstanding music in recent years, is home to some of the most famous venues in the UK, and can brag about being the place where Oasis were discovered by Scottish music legend Alan McGee in the world famous King Tut’s Wah Wah Hut.

It continues to be a platform for young, fresh, new artists to emerge: Primal Scream, Deacon Blue, Frightened Rabbit, Biffy Clyro, Belle and Sebastian, Orange Juice, Chvrches, Franz Ferdinand, The Fratellis, and so many more, all hail from or around Glasgow and have undoubtedly influenced and had a major impact on the music industry throughout their careers  A trip to Glasgow can’t be completed without experiencing at least some of the fantastic, energetic and adrenalin-rushing sounds that the city has to offer. Visit King Tut’s on St Vincent Street or take a trip to the Barrowlands in the East End. Or if you have time inbetween the games, seek out some of the more quirky music haunts and venues dotted around the city – it’s not hard to find live music anywhere in Glasgow.

There’s so much more I could write about this incredible place: George Square plays host to events throughout the year, with the City Chambers as a back drop it’s difficult not to marvel at the stature it beholds. The many theatres in the city showcase productions from Wicked to Dirty Dancing, and have staged Glasgow born comics, Billy Connelly and Kevin Bridges. The subway network is also worth a mention – a convenient and quick way of getting around the city, consisting of a 6.5 mile loop and comprising of an inner and outer circle (many a drinking game has been based upon the subway stops; ask a native Glaswegian about the ‘Subcrawl’ and give it a go yourself…if you dare!).

With a hell of a lot to offer and much more to discover than just the ‘mean streets’ reputation it has, I’d recommend exploring this magnificent city whether you’re going to the Games or not. If it’s all too much for you to take in then an Open Top Bus ride incorporating the majority of the sites can be accessed from multiple stops around the city http://www.citysightseeingglasgow.co.uk/. Train tickets are reasonable (from Preston to Glasgow you can get a one way ticket from £9 at certain times of the year), the Megabus also operates a regular service to and from the city and flying to Glasgow has never been easier due to its two popular airports.

I can’t possibly end this post without mentioning the wonderful, welcoming, unique and individual people of Glasgow. Their warmth, friendliness and ability to make you feel right at home is something that makes Glasgow endearing not only as a tourist destination but as a place to live, work and play. The Glaswegian sense of humour is unlike any other and the raw bluntness and no-nonsense attitude is what sets its people apart from the rest of the UK.

Glasgow natives have perhaps in the past had a reputation for being unwelcoming, tough, gritty and unfriendly, but as someone who has lived amongst those salt-of-the earth characters, worked with real Glaswegians, partied and conversed with its intelligent, quick-witted, fashionable and quirky citizens, I can safely say that the reality is quite the opposite. So while you’re enjoying watching the Games, and soaking up the atmosphere and culture, take some time to admire those who have worked hard to make the city what it is today, for People Make Glasgow, and that is something to be very, very proud of.

For more info take at look at these:

www.peoplemakeglasgow.com; http://www.visit-glasgow.info/; http://www.glasgowlife.org.uk; www.glasgow2014.com; www.kingtuts.co.uk; www.celticfc.net; www.rangers.co.uk; www.lavitapizzeria.co.uk;