Glasgow and Strathclyde Guide

Just 1 hour west of Edinburgh is Glasgow; the biggest and most liveliest city in Scotland. Voted Favourite UK City 2006 by Conde Naste Traveller magazine, and European City of Culture in 1990. Its Victorian style buildings are the highlights of the city and the reason why it was named the UK's City of Architecture and Design in 1999. Buildings like Glasgow Botanic Gardens; built in the 19th century its glass covered roof was host to many Victorian parties, Kelvingrove Art Galley and Museum, City Chambers, and the University of Glasgow are just to name a few. Glasgow also has over 70 parks and gardens spread out through the city adding to the reason it is a culture capital city in Europe.

Glasgow sits on the River Clyde which was the central hub during the industrial revolution. Many of ships where built there and renowned for its quality. Take a walk down the Clyde River banks to explore the maritime heritage of Glasgow. The Clydebuilt Scottish Maritime Museum has a collection of model ships. Buchanan Street is Glasgow's shopping district and has the majority of the city's pub life. Glasgow has an avid range of entertainment as most European metropolitans do; a varity of shows, an opera house, and a great night life.

The people from Glasgow, affectionately known as Wegies, have a unique personality with their uncut humour taken from the days of the working class industrial era. Their rough way of talking and sense of humour is best seen from the famous Glaswegian Comedian, Billy Connelly. A popular saying in Glasgow is "Edinburgh may be the capital, but Glasgow has the capital".

Surrounding Glasgow are the counties of South Lanarkshire, Renfrewshire, North Lanarkshire, East Dunbartonshire, and Inverclyde.

Following the Clyde Valley is South Lanarkshire. Almost untouched by the industry this region is covered with trails ideal for nature walks and mountain biking. Some attractions in South Lanarkshire include the old mill historic town of New Lanark (UNESCO), Bothwell Castle, and Hamilton.

North Lanarkshire was heavly influenced by industry unlike the South. Historic coal mines, steelworks and engineering museums can be found here. At the Summerlee Heritage Park in Coatbridge; go down an old cole mine, visit a reconstructed miners cottage, and see the hall of working machinery. For more details on Lanarkshire visit www.visitlanarkshire.com

In Renfrewshire is Paisley, the town's 12th century medieval abbey is an important tourist attraction. Also an important weaving heritage town of Scotland in the 19th century, which proof can be seen at the Sma Shot Cottages and the Weavers Cottages in nearby Kilbarchan. For more details on Renfrewshire visit www.visitrenfrewshire.com

Inverclyde, meaning the mouth of the Clyde River, is where the Clyde meats the sea. On the coast is the former shipbuilding centres of Greenock, Port Glasgow and Gourock. Here you will find breathtaking views to the Argyll Hills and Scottish Highlands. For more details on Inverclye visit www.inverclyde.gov.uk/tourism-and-visitor-attractions

East Dunbartonshire is a haven for cyclists and walkers with spectacular views of the West Highlands. Here there are pathways that lead up to Fort William and the great Ben Nevis.