Glasgow ~ G1

Glasgow stands on the river Clyde in southwest Scotland some 42 miles west of Scotlands other major city, Edinburgh. With an estimated population of around 600,000 people it is the largest city in Scotland and it is one of the largest continuously built-up areas in Britain. At one time, the city was the world's great shipbuilder, but this industry has suffered decline over many years. However the city has not rolled over and died and has embraced new industry. As a result, it remains a major UK manufacturing centre. The service sector and tourism has become an important factor in the city's prosperity with Glasgow regularly being in the top five 'most visited' of UK cities. Glasgow has existed since the 6th century when it was founded by St Mungo. In the 18th century, it became established as an important port for the American sugar and cotton trade and the industrial revolution of the 19th century sparked an extraordinary expansion of shipbuilding. The legacy of this revolution unfortunately has left little of ancient Glasgow in its wake and apart from St Mungo's Cathedral little of the medieval city still stands.

Places of Interest

Art and culture are important in Glasgow life where galleries and museums are in abundance - most with free admission. Notable are:

• The Burrell Collection and the McLellan Galleries
• The Kelvin Hall is home to the city's exhibitions.
• The People's Palace - a museum of Glasgow's social and political history.
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum
• Tenement House, showing middle-class life in 19th century Glasgow.

Living in Glasgow - Education, Shopping and Travel Links

Glasgow has an excellent transport system, especially the rail network. It also has two international airports on its doorstep. There is a wealth of shopping opportunities in the city. As well as a range of stylish and upmarket stores, The City's Merchant City area and the West End have many bookshops, antique stores and second-hand clothing outlets. The Barras - the open-air street market in the East End trades in antiques, clothing and food. Traditional items such as tartans, Celtic jewellery, and every conceivable Scottish whisky can be found here. The Italian Centre has stylish cafes and restaurants, and De Courcy's Antique Craft Arcade - also in the West End is good for jewellery and bric a brac.

Education is important in Scotland. Glasgow has numerous nursery schools, mobile creche and extended day nurseries. It also has 184 primary schools and 29 Secondary Schools. In addition Glasgow has three universities.

Culturally, the city is home to The Scottish Orchestra where the conductor John Barbirolli found international acclaim and has top theatres and arts centres. Sports fans will quickly find themselves introduced to the relative merits of the City's two major football teams - Rangers and Celtic and for the golf lover, the area around Glasgow has some of the greatest courses to be found.

Estate and Letting Agents for Glasgow G1