It seems to be a recurring theme that Canada is the place to meet Scottish people.
Why this is a thing, I do not know. But it’s been very helpful for this trip so far.
I made the journey west from Edinburgh to Glasgow. From one big city to another.
Don’t get me wrong, as far as urban cities go I very much liked it. In amongst the disgustingly modern and tall buildings were some real gems (of which we shall get on to in a second).
I must say, my welcome to Glasgow was rather… Unexpected. It’s a short journey from Edinburgh, and due to some strange miracle, it was – again – sunny when I arrived!
I walked for about thirty minutes to go meet my friend, which I always think is a good way to explore a new city. Then I was met by this building.
Now, I won’t lie. The only reason I went in was because I needed the toiler. Judge me all you like, but an art gallery is one of my least favourite things, especially if the weather outside is so wonderful. However, by some lucky chance I had chosen the hour where an organ rehearsal (recital?) was taking place.
Apparently Kelvingrove organ is a famous one (as far as organs can be), and I have to admit it was a unique experience. I ended up sitting in the Hall for a good twenty minutes, waiting for my friend and listening/watching the organist go. It’s a very strange instrument.
One of the other more impressive buildings in Glasgow (yes, a lot of my pictures for this trip revolve around architecture) is, of course, the university.
Similar to Scott’s Monument in certain ways, it’s safe to say I was a fan. Luckily my friend is a student at the university, so they gave me a nice little tour around campus… which wasn’t very exciting, but at least the buildings were nice to look at?
Sadly we got rained on later that day. See those nice blue skies in earlier pictures? Yeah, it was quickly replaced by this.
But not to worry, the following day proved a more enjoyable mixture of weather.
We took a walk along the waterfront and, apparently, that building is the “tallest revolving tower in the world”. Whatever that means. I feel they’re clutching at straws here.
A more notable landmark, is the statue of the Duke of Wellington in the city centre.
This is about as Scottish as it gets (I should probably say Glaswegian, lest I get in trouble). See those traffic cones? It is now a permanent feature of the statue. If someone does decide to take it (usually a cocky drunkard) then it is replaced with a new one the following. Scottish culture for you.
The Necropolis has to be mentioned. When it was recommended that I go see the big graveyard whilst there because it is “a lovely spot”, I was more than a little sceptical. I will happily admit to being proved wrong.
I’m sure the weather helped but it was a very pretty graveyard. Incredible mausoleums and monuments built on top of a hill overlooking the entire city? Quite a sight to behold.
The picture above brings us conveniently on to the cathedral, which shall be the final talking point of Glasgow.
Again, it was one of those buildings that stands out amongst the urban setting.
As always, I am more impressed by buildings from the outside than within, but I did manage to snap a satisfying picture of the structure from the inside, too, eve in amongst all the tourists.
And that will do for Glasgow.
I would apologise for the excessive architecture but… that seems to be almost exclusively what I took pictures of whilst in Edinburgh and Glasgow. There is one more Scottish post coming – from a few days in Stirling. Which, unsurprisingly, will heavily feature the castle.
A Weary Traveller 