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 A towering achievement |
460 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow G2 3LG United Kingdom +44 141 332 6415 |
This striking yellow building, now housing Halls of Residence for the University of Strathclyde, was designed by Weddel and Inglis in 1937. It began life as the Beresford Hotel, which was to accommodate visitors to the Empire Exhibition. The architecture reflects the exhibition's art deco theme. The building's fins were originally scarlet and black and its twin towers were capped with flagpoles. Inglis designed and owned cinemas; the similarity between this and the cinema styles of the time is plain to see. Out of term time, Baird Hall returns to its roots and offers bed and breakfast accommodation to tourists at very reasonable rates. Contact the University of Strathclyde Residential Services for further information and bookings. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Rory |
 Dream homes beside the motorway |
2 Saint George's Road Charing Cross Glasgow G3 6JA United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
This curved block of mansion flats is the city's best-known tenement block. The steep Mansard roof (attic storey) gives it a distinctly French elegance. John James Burnet designed the building in 1889 and it is possibly the greatest of his works. The tall tower in the middle has its own balcony and cast-iron railings. The centrepiece is a baroque clock, decorated with signs of the zodiac by William Birnie-Rhind. Above the clock, a female figure holds a hammer and leans on a wheel. The initials RS & S appear a few times as the building was originally for warehousemen Robert Simpson and Sons. Luckily it escaped the devastating sweep through the city that paved the way for the M8 motorway, which now glides effortlessly past this timeless classic. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher Kueh |
 Photo: Andy Lee |
 Photo: Simone Hutchinson  |
 Photo: Allan S McKinnon |
 Photo: Martin Muirhead |
 Photo: Oda Bhar |
 Photo: Craig Bunyan |
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Your official friends in the city |
82 Saltmarket Merchant City Glasgow G1 5LD United Kingdom |
Since the CityWatch closed circuit television system was installed in 1994, Glasgow has also had a civilian warden service. The representatives are based in the Merchant City but patrol the whole city centre in distinctive burgundy uniforms and amusingly oversized hats. If you're stuck for directions and there is no-one else around, these are your best bet. You will usually see them hanging around on Buchanan Street and George Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Grandeur on George Square |
80 George Square Glasgow G2 1DU United Kingdom +44 141 287 0399 |
A throwback to the Empire and Glasgow's prominence within it, the impressive City Chambers border the central George Square on the east side. Intrigued? The local council offer free guided tours around their grand HQ at 11.30am and 2.30pm on weekdays. This palatial and imposing building, built in the Italian Renaissance style and formally opened in 1888 by Queen Victoria, is definitely worth a visit - to admire the stunning marble interior if nothing else. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Michael Kane |
 Photo: Oliver Day |
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 Photo: Jim Moore |
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 Photo: glasgow's finest |
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Classical concert venue |
Candleriggs Glasgow G1 1NP United Kingdom +44 141 287 5511 |
This Italian-style hall once housed the cheese, fruit and vegetable market, illustrated by the sculpted basket of fruit on the roof. It also became a venue for entertainment, with Charles Dickens reading from his own work on one occasion. Although City Hall is not open all year round, it is definitely a place worth visiting during events. It is one of the city's most impressive concert halls and hosts a number of cultural productions but it also provides space for other functions and meetings. The venue has an annexe, The Old Fruitmarket, which often caters for musical events of a less classical nature. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joaquin Vanschoren |
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The Iron Duke with a plastic hat |
Queen Street Glasgow G1 3AH United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
Known as the Iron Duke, Wellington, who lived from 1769-1852, commanded the British forces against Napoleon and had his most famous victory at Waterloo in 1815. He later became the British Prime Minister, albeit briefly, from 1828-30. The statue's bas-relief on the base depicts his many battles, but few people ever stop to look at this since he's been sporting a rather dashing traffic cone hat for the last ten years, which seems to be more entertaining. Occasionally his horse gets a turn to wear the hat. Nor will they notice probably, that the statue was produced by Italian supremo Baron Carlo Marchetti in 1844. The Duke can be found just in front of the Gallery of Modern Art on Royal Exchange Square. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Claire Quigley |
 Photo: Stefan Lins |
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 One of Britain's oldest |
127 Hill Street Garnethill Glasgow G3 6UB United Kingdom +44 141 332 4151 |
This was the first purpose-built synagogue in Scotland, opened in 1879 and designed by local architect John McLeod. The architectural style is ornate Byzantine with Moorish effects and the tympanum features an attractive round window with star tracery. The ladies' gallery also has fine touches. Below the body of the synagogue are committee rooms and the fascinating Scottish Jewish Archives Centre. Shabbat service is held at 10a. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: David Warden |
 Photo: Andrew Gimber |
 Photo: Robert Burdock |
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Glasgow's very own Red Square |
Follow the M8 to the city centre Glasgow, Glasgow G2 United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
A few years ago the City Council sparked off a huge controversy when they paved over this grassy, central space with bright red asphalt. Although everyone is now used to its new look, Glaswegians tend to refer to it as "Red Square". Flanked on one side by the magnificent City Chambers and on another by the Greater Glasgow and Clyde Valley Tourist Board, George Square was laid out in the 19th century and is dominated by an 80 foot column with a statue of Sir Walter Scott on top. On a sunny day, clusters of people sunbathe amidst statues of such august personages as Queen Victoria, Prince Albert, Robert Burns, James Oswald, James Watt, William Gladstone and Robert Peel. The Cenotaph war memorial is also around and the square itself saw bloodshed in 1918, when crowds rioted during a protest against the 56 hour working week. As the only large open space in the city centre, it's often used as a venue for celebrations. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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One of the UK's biggest Islamic centres |
1 Mosque Avenue Gorbals Glasgow G5 9XA United Kingdom +44 141 429 3132 |
With its geometric golden dome, which hums with a low light in the evenings, this must have been a bit of an oddity to the residents of the Gorbals when it first appeared in 1984. Its tall and graceful concrete minaret stands above a low arcade that joins two buildings together and can be seen for miles. One of these buildings is a place of worship and the other is the Islamic Centre, which operates as a sociocultural centre as well as providing religious education, support and advice.There ares several mosques dotted around the city but none as splendid as this which is perhaps why the boxer Mike Tyson came to worship here when he last visited Scotland. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Neil Best |
 Photo: Ivar Struthers |
 Photo: Mark Nightingale |
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 The capital of Glasgow parks |
Greendyke Street Glasgow G1 5DB United Kingdom +44 141 552 1142 |
Glasgow Green became a public park in 1857, after centuries of tumultuous functionality. Home to the People's Palace and Winter Gardens, and adjacent to the beautiful Templeton's Carpet Factory, the green has a marvellous history. As one of Scotland's oldest parks, it has seen its share of political agitation, executions, gang fights and other excitement over the years, but now serves mainly as an ample space for leisure and quiet reflection. The park is also used as a venue for demonstrations and special events, such as the Gig on the Green. Many famous local and national dignitaries are commemorated here by sculptures and memorials, such as the McLellan Arch, the Doulton, Collins and James Martin Fountains and the Nelson Monument. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Mackintosh splendour |
167 Renfrew Street Glasgow G3 6RQ United Kingdom +44 141 353 4500 http://www.gsa.ac.uk/ |
Any fans of Mackintosh will love this building, for it is easily the best example of his architecture in Glasgow. The art school was established in 1845 but has only been at the current site since 1899. Mackintosh was a former pupil and he designed this architectural masterpiece in 1896. The construction is marked by oppositions, wide windows and stern facades contrast in a dynamic style. Although everyone can gaze freely at the stunning exterior, guided tours offer the only access to the interior. Here you can admire yet more Mackintosh creations; plans, paintings and furniture are all on display. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Gothic revival |
University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ United Kingdom +44 141 330 5511 http://www.gla.ac.uk/ |
Admire the Gothic Revival style of the main campus building here, also known as the Gilbert Scott Building, in honour of the architect responsible. The university itself was founded in 1451 by Bishop Turnbull, in the sacristy of Glasgow Cathedral, and the original site was on High Street. Unfortunately, the old college building was destroyed in 1870, when the campus moved to Gilmorehill in the west end, but Gilbert Scott's impressive gables, turrets and cloisters are well worth a look. If you take a tour, you can climb to the top of the 91m high central tower and enjoy one of the best views of the city available. Guided tours start at the visitor centre, which has an exhibition on the university, a cafe and a shop. Tours: 2pm Mon-Sat. Adults £2, concs £1 Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Local information |
11 George Square Glasgow G2 1DY United Kingdom +44 141 566 4064 |
For further information on Glasgow's attractions, facilities and events call this tourist board. They can help you book tours, restaurants and accommodation and provide lots of useful information and leaflets on things to do in the area. A bureau de change is on the premises and they arrange Western Union money transfers. There is also an excellent selection of travel guides in different languages and souvenirs for sale. Staff are eager to be of assistance and display a genuine passion for Glasgow and its many attractions. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: goodcatmum |
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On the Alexander Greek Thomson trail |
336-356 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow G2 3HW United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
This much-loved Alexander Thomson building stands on a corner site, an unusual treat, which he indulged by spreading his designs round the corner into Scott Street. It's quite a squat three-storey building and both Egyptian and Greek ideas are carefully considered in the overall plan. The tall ground floor has a Greek entrance; above it are narrow windows, topped with flower decoration. The second storey has a selection of stumpy columns with lots of detail; behind that there is what can only be described as a kind of wall of windows. The building was designed in 1865 for commercial use, which continues to be its purpose today. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Skinny but shapely |
144 Saint Vincent Street Glasgow G2 5LQ United Kingdom +44 141 221 7300 |
This unusual building is only 29 feet wide but its 10 storeys were cleverly designed by James Salmon in 1899 to maximise the amount of natural light. Its name came from the elaborate octagonal roof which had lots of intricate details. Architecturally, this is an important building as it's a very good example of the Glasgow style, the facade seems to be entirely made of glass with bits of stonework used as decoration. No two storeys are the same, as there are stone and iron balconies, rectangular and arched windows, and various forms of decoration including angles, lions, suns, plaques, crowns, faces and lanterns. The doorway is topped by a semi-cylindrical lantern in stained glass featuring a galleon. The Hatrack is now used for commercial purposes. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Gordon Barr |
 Photo: Scott Fitzpatrick |
 Photo: Cameron Adams |
 Photo: Oda Bhar |
 History of social work |
Cowcaddens Road Glasgow G4 0BA United Kingdom +44 141 331 8637 http://www.lib.gcal.ac.uk/heat... |
The only museum in Europe dedicated entirely to social work and welfare, Heatherbank boasts an unrivalled collection of resources open to the public. It was founded in 1975 by Colin and Rosemary Harvey then moved to Caledonian University premises where its present site was developed on the main campus. The museum tells the story of many aspects of social care and welfare developments in Scotland over the past 200 years and preserves social work archives, artefacts, costumes, photographs and journals. There are also models of poorhouses, tenements and lodging houses so you can see how people used to live. For kids, there's a Children's Area displaying traditional toys to play with and costumes to dress up in. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Traditional meeting place |
Argyle Street Glasgow G1 4AL United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
Built in 1906 by James Miller, this striking viaduct carries the railway lines out of Central Station and over Argyle Street. Its rich, ornamental ironwork and classical windows were part of the overall design of the station. It provided a sheltered meeting place for folk from the north who had come to Glasgow looking for work, trying to escape the poverty and oppression of the Highlands, hence the name. This was the golden age of railways and people were arriving by train in their hundreds, looking to share the city's wealth. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Donna Smillie |
 Photo: Paul Robertson |
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Nineteenth century environs |
158 Ingram Street Glasgow G1 1TB United Kingdom +44 141 552 8591 http://www.nts.org.uk/ |
The hall was built by David Hamilton in the 1800s and the interior was developed by John Baird in 1876. Named after two brothers, George and Thomas Hutcheson, who founded a tradesmen's hospital here in the 17th century, the hall provides elegant surrounding for concerts, dinners and seminars. Note the memorial statues of the brothers on the frontage of the building. The current exhibition on Glasgow Style presents a selection of modern furniture, jewellery and accessories which were all designed in the city. There is a National Trust for Scotland gift shop and visitors' centre on the site. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Cadman |
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Busiest bridge in Britain |
Kingston Bridge Glasgow G2 United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
Designed in 1970 by Fairhurst and Partners, these two parallel bridges carry 10 lanes of traffic and tower 60 feet above the Clyde, with a main span of 470 feet. Substantial clearance was needed for dredgers but bigger boats like The Waverley have still reduced their masts to clear it. When opened, it carried 31,000 vehicles a day as part of the M8 motorway, but it 1996 this had become 155,000, making it Britain's busiest road bridge. The bridge, not surprisingly, suffered and was discovered to have dropped by 12 inches so it was pumped back up again and it's now as busy as ever. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Filippos @ Salonika |
 Photo: Paul Hart |
 Photo: Thomas Widmann |
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Spanish survivor |
Clyde Street Glasgow G1 4JE United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
This is a modern and angular statue of Dolores Ibarurri (1895-1989), a socialist hero. It commemorates those who fought in the Spanish civil war in the 1930s, including the 65 Glaswegians who died. The statue is located on the waterfront at the junction of Clyde Street and Jamaica Street. Dolores came from the Basque Country and wrote for the socialist press under the name "pasionaria" (the passion flower). She was elected to the Spanish Cortes (parliament) and in 1936 helped to establish the popular front government, which was overthrown by the fascists. She then fled to the USSR, returned to Spain after Franco died and, aged 81, was re-elected to the Cortes. The plinth displays her mantra "Better to live on your feet than die on your knees". Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Hugh Hyndman |
 Photo: Alberto Botton |
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The grandest of them all |
54 Carlton Place Glasgow G5 9TW United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
Designed in 1802 by Peter Nicolson, this Grade-A listed building is said to be the most ornate Georgian house in Britain. The facade is very two dimensional, with shallow detailing in the Greek style. Inside, there are details influenced by famous Edinburgh architect Robert Adam, with great Corinthian, columned staircases and domes. The ornate plasterwork is thought to be by Italian supremo Francesco Bernasconi. The whole area around Carlton Place is considered the most ambitious and least successful new town planning in the city. All the local streets had aristocratic names - Cumberland, Portland, Cavendish. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: wcities |
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Scotland's centre for architecture |
11 Mitchell Lane Glasgow G1 3NU United Kingdom +44 141 221 6362 http://www.thelighthouse.co.uk/ |
The Lighthouse is Scotland's centre for architecture, design and the city. It was opened as part of Glasgow's year as UK City of Architecture and Design. Four galleries over four floors give space to temporary exhibitions and there's also a special review gallery dedicated to new and innovative designers. The centre has an interactive, creative play environment for young children and a permanent Mackintosh Interpretation Centre, for which there is a small entrance charge. Access to the building itself, a converted Mackintosh design, is free and there are several bars and restaurants on the premises. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Christopher Tomsett |
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 Photo: Lisa McCartney |
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Europe's largest reference library |
North Street Charing Cross Glasgow G3 7DN United Kingdom +44 141 287 2999 |
Europe's largest reference library takes its name from the tobacco tycoon, Stephen Mitchell. Founded in 1874 and open to the public since 1911, it now houses over 1,000,000 books and documents. Wander around the spacious rooms and admire the celebrated dome. There is a huge selection of aerial photography covering most of Glasgow and it's an excellent place to visit if you are interested in the city's history. The famous Mitchell Theatre is part of the same complex. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stuart Crawford |
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Victorian public pool in the west end |
10 Braid Square Glasgow G4 9YB United Kingdom +44 141 332 8102 |
The North Woodside Baths differs from most of its competitors through its sheer elegance. A converted Victorian "Bath and Wash-house", it boasts plush surroundings and a classical style. There's a pleasant atmosphere and a 25 metre pool in which to swim. The entire building is open to the public at very reasonable rates. However, be warned that in summer time (when it is typically pouring with rain), there are queues of children to fight your way through. It is usually safer relaxing in the sauna or tanning on the sun beds which are available on the premises. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Sea, stones and whisky |
Stafford Street Glasgow, Argyll PA34 5NH United Kingdom +44 163 157 2004 |
Oban is the town where the Highlands meet the islands, and it's one of Scotland's oldest sources of malt whisky. Visitors are welcome to watch the distillers at work and to sample their peaty 14 year old single malt with its distinctive whiff of the sea. The distillery dates from 1794 and is nestled at the foot of a cliff, directly opposite the North Pier. The last guided tour starts an hour before closing and the cost is redeemable against purchases in the shop. Admission: adults £3.50 Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Kathryn Irvine |
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Working life in Glasgow |
Greendyke Street (Glasgow Green) Glasgow G1 5DB United Kingdom +44 141 554 0223 |
Discover the Glaswegians' story in the People's Palace, through this exhibition that documents social and industrial life through the ages. Originally a cultural centre for the working class, this red sandstone edifice was built in 1898. Today it contains many interactive exhibits that kids will enjoy, including listening posts where you can compare different Scottish accents. The adjacent Winter Gardens suffered fire damage in 1998, but the greenhouse is back in business with a collection of beautiful exotic plants on display. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A Highland tale |
518 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow G2 3LW United Kingdom +44 141 332 0961 |
Housed in a building which was designed by Mackintosh, Honeyman and Keppie, this quiet little museum details the history of three famous Scottish regiments. Visitors can wander through several exhibition rooms and learn the story of the Highland Light Infantry, the Royal Scots Fusiliers and the 74th Highlanders. Afterwards, military souvenirs can be bought in the gift shop to commemorate the visit. Admission: free Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Pam Brunton |
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Quaint, Pedestrianized Shopping |
Sauchiehall Street Glasgow United Kingdom |
The main streets are pedestrianized in the city centre; Sauchiehall Street, Buchanan Street and Argyle Street. Look up and you'll discover many of the shops, however modern their fronts, are actually housed in beautiful Victorian buildings with ornate detailing. There are plenty of good shopping centers for a bit of retail therapy. The famous Buchanan Galleries is housed at the end of Sauchiehall (which turns into Buchanan Street), and Princes Square, the crowned jewel of the shopping area, is housed a few blocks away. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Enormous multi-purpose venue |
Myres View Glasgow G3 8YW United Kingdom +44 (0)141 248 3000 http://www.secc.co.uk/ |
The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre is an enormous venue, spanning 64 acres on the banks of the River Clyde, and accessible via its own low-level train station. With over 22,000 square meters of usable space, it hosts concerts, exhibitions and conferences of all sizes, like the Autumn Ideal Home Show. It also welcomes circuses, fun-fairs and a host of other one-off entertainment events. Its distinctive armadillo building (officially called the Clyde Auditorium) is an incredible feat of architecture and a credit to Glasgow. It seats 3,000, is fully-equipped and boasts impeccable acoustics. Alternatively, the SECC can cater for a capacity of up to 10,000 in another of its halls or a smaller affair of 600 in the more intimate Lomond suite. There are restaurants, a hotel, business centers, a bank and medical services available. There is almost nothing that cannot be done here - except have a look around the armadillo if you are not attending an event there. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Shahbaz Majeed |
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Source of Jewish history |
127 Hill Street 127 Hill Street Glasgow G3 6UB United Kingdom +44 141 332 4911 |
Anyone with a serious interest in Jewish history in Scotland or indeed social history in general will be fascinated by the contents of these archives. The centre is housed in Garnethill Synagogue, which opened in 1879 and is the oldest in the country. The collection includes mounted displays as well as the historical database of Scottish Jewry, which has information on more than 16,000 people, making it a valuable source for those who are trying to trace their roots. It's only open by prior arrangement so phone before you visit. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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A source of social history |
Ayr Street Ayr Street Glasgow G21 4BW United Kingdom +44 141 557 1405 |
This community museum is outside the city centre and off the tourist track. Springburn is one of several old industrial towns that now make up North Glasgow. The emphasis in the museum is very much on the social history of the area, which was once the world's biggest centre for railway manufacturing with nearly 10,000 men in four railway works building and maintaining steam locomotives and carriages. It details the decline and fall of the area throughout the industrial revolution, with exhibits on housing conditions, the technology of the time and the lives of the residents of 19th century Springburn. Admission is free. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Stevie Douglas |
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Roman Catholic cathedral |
90 Dunlop Street Glasgow G1 4ER United Kingdom +44 141 221 3096 |
Built in 1817 by James Gillespie Graham, this building re-introduced the Roman Catholic presence to Glasgow. In 1805 there were only 450 Catholics in the city, by the time this was built there were over 3,000. A recent clean-up has revealed its true Gothic character - there's not much ground level detail, except around the door, but there is a niche containing a statue of St Andrew. To begin with, it was merely a church but gained cathedral status after the building was renovated by Pugin and Pugin, the firm who designed the Houses of Parliament in London. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: jacqueline Hunter |
 Photo: Jason Andreas |
 Photo: Trond Kjetil Bremnes |
 Photo: Cameron McKinnon |
 Photo: Spela Mezek |
 Photo: walter menzies |
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A useful source of information |
St Enoch Place Glasgow G1 4BW United Kingdom +44 141 226 4826 |
When the architect James Miller was commissioned to provide this entrance to the St Enoch Underground Station in 1896, he decided it should not compete with the scale of the large church behind it, so this mini-French chateau was created. Said to be in the Jacobean style, it has a roof turret at each corner with lots of little sculptured faces. Run by Strathclyde Passenger Transport, this is the place to come for information about local transport in the Glasgow area. Schedules are available for most city bus services, some of which have recently been relaunched as the Overground to match the simplicity and reliability of the Underground. Details of local trains are also available, as well as national coach information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mehran Haddadi |
 Photo: zoetnet |
 Photo: Gordon McKinlay |
 Photo: bowroaduk |
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Church of Scotland landmark |
163 Buchanan Street Glasgow G1 2JX United Kingdom +44 141 772 3571 http://www.thetron.org/ |
This church forms an island in Nelson Mandela Place in the heart of the city, although when it was completed in 1808, this area was the extreme edge of the west end. Designed by William Stark, with a baroque influence typical in early 19th century Glasgow, the tower is especially attractive and is capped with a ribbed dome and obelisk. The church is a Grade A listed building and has been given a special landmark rating. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Caitriana Nicholson |
 Photo: garlies |
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Thomson's masterpiece |
265 Vincent Street Glasgow G2 7LA United Kingdom +44 141 248 8493 |
This church, built for the United Presbyterians in the late 1850s, is regarded as Alexander "Greek" Thomson's masterpiece. Thomson's style was influenced by Assyrian, Egyptian and Indian architecture, as can clearly be seen here. It takes the form of a temple-like edifice and an unconnected tower, the effect of which has been sadly diminished by neighbouring office blocks. The interior is as impressive as ever though, strikingly high and light. The church is now owned by Glasgow City Council and Free Church of Scotland services are held here. It is open to the public by appointment. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Cadman |
 Photo: Andy Tamata |
 Photo: Julie McWilliams |
 Photo: Davie Dunn |
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A slice of life |
145 Buccleuch Street Garnethill Glasgow G3 6QN United Kingdom +44 141 332 9368 http://www.nts.org.uk/ |
The late Victorian Tenement House contains a first-floor flat and ground-floor exhibition area offering visitors a memorable trip to the past. Agnes Toward lived in the four-room flat from 1911 to 1965 and the conditions and furnishings have been preserved as they were during her residence. Tenement life can now be relived in this fascinating museum, a must-see if you're interested in the history of the city. The building is now owned by the National Trust for Scotland, so admission is free for members. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Kentish |
 Photo: james73_2007 |
 Photo: Belinda Watson |
 Photo: Iain McGillivray |
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Wealth and beauty |
42 Miller Street Glasgow G1 1DT United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
Built in 1775 by John Craig, this would have been one of many similar houses lining this narrow street in the Merchant City. However, it was the first and the last too—being by far the best surviving example of a tobacco merchant's dwelling in Glasgow. This is due to sympathetic treatment, which has come in the form of its most recent tenants, the Scottish Preservation Trust and several firms of architects. It's of simple, plain design, but decorated here and there with lovely urns. Three storeys high, it has basement windows that seem to rise out of the concrete pavement by means of rot-iron arms, added when the building was refurbished. Review © 2007, Wcities |
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Once housed the council |
Tolbooth Steeple Glasgow G1 5NA United Kingdom +44 141 204 4400 |
This was the 17th century equivalent of the City Chambers. The building, finished in 1627, marked the arrival of the merchant classes to the city and housed the town clerk's office, council hall and city prison. The Debtors Prison had a stream of inmates who elected their own provost and generally ran the place themselves. Witches, thieves and murderers were amongst the "guests" and were occasionally hanged. The area became a focus for the town, so much so that the paved stone area in front of the tolbooth, "Planestanes", became a prime location for the Tobacco Lords and other rich folk to display their finery. The main part of the building was destroyed when the City Improvement Trust, charged with ridding the city of squalor, swept it away but the seven storey steeple remains. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Ron Almog |
 Photo: Kevin McDonnell |
 Photo: Zeno de Cock |
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An 18th century temple of commerce |
85 Glassford Street Glasgow G1 1UH United Kingdom |
The hall was designed by Robert Adam and completed in 1794. Built for Glasgow's trades' federation, it is Adam's only surviving work in the city. The interior was extensively redeveloped in the 1920s but remains very impressive and is mainly Victorian in style. The handsome function rooms can be hired for meetings and receptions and guided tours can be arranged. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Steve Cadman |
 Photo: Heidi Kuisma |
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Redbrick rival |
Cathedral Street Glasgow G1 1XP United Kingdom +44 141 552 4400 http://www.strath.ac.uk/ |
Given university status in 1964, the college was previously known as the "Tech", but the foundations of this world-renowned institution were laid long ago by the Professor of Natural Philosophy (physics to some), John Anderson (1726-96). He was interested in educating all classes of people in science and challenged elitism. Housed in a building on George Street to begin with, Anderson's University developed faculties including the arts and medicine before it was renamed the Royal Technical College in 1912. Redbrick forms the main building, which provides a stark contrast with the Gothic arrogance of Glasgow University. Of the many buildings that make up the campus, one highlight is the Architecture Building, designed by Frank Fielden (1964-7), who was the professor at the time. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Joanna Day |
 Photo: Bill Mackenzie |
 Photo: Giles Moss |
 Photo: Hui-Chun Chen |
 Photo: Nik Verzivolli |
 Photo: Jason R. Kramer |
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Historical Cruises |
36 Lancefield Quay Glasgow, GB United Kingdom +1 41 221 8152 http://www.waverleyexcursions.... |
Step aboard the Waverley or Balmoral pleasure steamers and enjoy yourself on a cruise into history. The two historic vessels recapture the essence of old Great Britain and provide its patrons with some of the best views along the United Kingdom coastline. Departing from ports and piers around the UK throughout the months from Spring to Autumn, Waverley & Balmoral Steamers will surely leave you with a trip to remember. Ticket prices vary from specific points of departure, see website for further information. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Paul Hart |
 Photo: Charley Seavey |
 Photo: Taylor Dundee |
 Photo: Claire Ross |
 Photo: Stephen Strowes |
 Photo: riddiculus |
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Miss Cranston's original premises |
217 Sauchiehall Street Glasgow G2 3EX United Kingdom +44 141 332 0521 http://www.willowtearooms.co.uk/ |
These tea rooms are on two levels above Henderson the Jewellers. The building was designed by Mackintosh especially for Miss Kate Cranston, a very genteel lady whose memoirs can be purchased on the premises. It's so popular with tourists in the summer that you'll have to get there early to bag a nice table. A large amount of tea blends, cakes and scones are sold here, as well as baked potatoes, Scottish salmon and haggis. Review © 2007, Wcities |
 Photo: Mark Ferbert |
 Photo: Juliet Geldi |
 Photo: John Wigham |
 Photo: B Fenske |
 Photo: mia living |
 Photo: wanderingz |
 Photo: Jennifer Atkinson |
 Photo: angela loh |
 Photo: aislinn connolly |
 Photo: Daniel Naumann |
 Photo: Leticia Carmo |
 Photo: Kathryn Sauceda |
 Photo: Tristana Mateos |
 Photo: Snörf |
 Photo: Linda Bull |
 Photo: Shona Iverson |
 Photo: fain - Christina |
 Photo: Laura Kelly |