Glasgow Show whole region Scotland

Covering 175 km2 with a population of nearly 600, 000, Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. Situated on the River Clyde, it became a major industrial and commercial hub back in the 18th century...

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Covering 175 km2 with a population of nearly 600, 000, Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland. Situated on the River Clyde, it became a major industrial and commercial hub back in the 18th century and was famous for engineering and ship building. It is still one of Europe’s top twenty business centers and home to many major Scottish businesses. In the area around the city are many famous castles and museums, the Burrell Art collection being the most well-known. If you only do one cultural event during your stay, visit this one – truly stunning.

Historically, Glasgow has had a wild ride – packed slums and poverty, world famous ship construction, massive drink problems and great politicians. During the sixties there was a major relocation to new towns and suburbs so the population fell and , during the oil boom, a huge effort to clean up and transform the city to become the stylish, safe and friendly city it is today. It has a great university, some stunning art galleries and collections, the full range of shops, bars and restaurants you would expect to find in such a prosperous city and a good nightlife.

Major industry has changed to banking, financial services and high –tech research developers, with many large pharmaceutical companies based around the city. It is a working city – there are tourist attractions but this is a place of commerce first and foremost. They work hard and they party hard – even now, the locals are famous drinkers and Saturday night violence is still a problem in some parts of the city.

For the GLBT visitor, there are many clubs and bars, great music scene, an upsurge in cottaging and many gay-friendly hotels and B&Bs. The Celtic Connection is a great winter music festival to check out new bands and new DJs and Glasgow does a good Hogmanay too if you want to visit after Christmas.