Our visit to the Scottish city of Glasgow was part of our round the North of Europe tour, and followed our trip to Edinburgh in the previous week. We had been given negative vibes about Glasgow, with friends and family warning that it was not very interesting or attractive.
Getting there
We found Glasgow airport to be small but well serviced, and we got the 500 Airport Express bus from the airport to the centre. Walking from the bus stop on Bothwell Street to Motel One on Argyle Street was fortunately downhill, but the footpath was in such a terrible condition that it was really hard!
We had a wonderful night in Motel One, thanks to a last minute upgrade to a larger room due to our engagement. We were well placed in the centre of the city, so we went out for an explore the following day.
Exploring Glasgow
We walked down Argyle Street to discover two Christmas Markets. The Christmas lights were also up, making Buchanan Street a cheery delight in the Scottish gloom. We wandered into Argyll Arcade, which is famous for its jewelers, and gazed at the massed displays of everything sparkling and expensive. The glass roof to Argyll Arcade is something to behold in itself.
We then ducked down Exchange Place, had a quick Scottish breakfast with haggis at The Social, and then started looking for a tattoo place for Bianca to gain a permanent souvenir of her father’s heartland home. As we walked past the Gallery of Modern Art, we saw the famous statue of the Duke of Wellington, and initially thought that someone had vandalised the statue by placing a traffic cone on his head. Then when we were in shops later, we saw miniature souvenir versions of the same equestrian stance, with a bright orange traffic cone on his head, and realised that it is a permanent fixture.
Apprentice Boys of Derry March
We were completely unaware of a major event happening in Glasgow, which went right past the tattoo shop – the Apprentice Boys of Derry march through the city. The march just seemed to come out of nowhere – the Police closed streets and then marching bands of 1000 people with APOD banners were streaming past. The parades have previously caused violent reactions, as it is a Protestant vs Catholic issue, but recently they have been trouble-free.
The men were beating their drums as hard as they could, and I could see spare drums and drumskins, and even spare drummers, waiting for the time where a big drum failed. The pipers and baton throwing/twirling were really impressive.
Gallery of Modern Art
We returned to the GoMA for a quick look around the free gallery. There were three floors of exhibits, but the top floor was closed at the time we visited, preventing access to a fourth gallery. The exhibits in the gallery were a little “too” modern for us, and did not inspire much interest or emotion in us.
However, the building itself was a beautiful example of Neoclassical 1800’s architecture, but it is controversial as the old “Royal Exchange” building was funded off the proceeds of slave labour in the tobacco industry. There was an entire gallery set aside for challenging racist commentary in art. We also found the sound and art installation by Scott Myles quite interesting.
Winterfest / Christmas Markets
As we continued to explore the city streets, we visited the Christmas Market in George Square, which was set out with rides, food, and stalls.
We also visited the Winterfest at St Enoch square, with it’s grand and historical building now occupied by a Caffe Nero coffee franchise. As this is Scotland, we were impressed to see pipers on the street, entertaining the crowds of shoppers with their unique sounds.
Later that evening, we visited Ashton Lane for dinner, and had Japanese food at Ramen Dayo, and we were amazed that not a single employee looked at all Asian!
In summary, despite what friends and family said, we enjoyed Glasgow. Although the buildings are grey stone, the architecture is interesting and there seemed enough to do.
