United Kingdom, Glasgow

Glasgow is the second largest Scottish city and is the third most populous city in United Kingdom. The City of Glasgow is the most populous unitary authority area. It is situated on the River Clyde in the country's west central lowlands. Glasgow is one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. The city has been reborn as a centre of style and vitality set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture.

In terms of beauty and vibrancy, Glasgow is one of the UK's finest cities.

History

Glasgow was founded in the late 6th cent. by St. Mungo (St. Kentigern), who is remembered in the city's arms and motto. The battle of Langside (1568) was fought in what is now a suburb. Glasgow's modern commercial growth began with the American tobacco trade in the 18th cent. and the cotton trade in the early 19th cent. Its proximity to the Lanarkshire coal fields and location on the Clyde (first deepened at Glasgow in 1768) aided its development as an industrial center during the mid-19th cent.

Glasgow made impressive strides in ship building and other heavy industries during industrial revolution. However by the 20th century, the industries declined and Glasgow started evolving to be a cultural city of Europe.

Geography

Glasgow is located on the banks of the River Clyde, in West Central Scotland.
Glasgow is Scotland's leading seaport and largest city and is the center of the great Clydeside industrial belt.

Demographics

Glasgow has a population of over 600,000 and serves the metropolitan area of West Central Scotland, with a population of nearly 2.5 million people.

There is a population of 800,000 people from varying multi-cultural and multi-faith backgrounds, including 30,000 Muslims from the Sub-Continent, who have developed one of the most affluent communities in the UK.

Economy

Glasgow is Scotland’s primary centre of business and industry. As of one of the top 20 financial centres in Europe, the city's activity forms part of the backbone to the British economy.

Today, Glasgow's economy is dominated by the service sector with finance and banking, public administration, education, healthcare, hotels, tourism and other business services being prominent.

Once known for its large shipyards, metal works, and engineering works, Glasgow's manufactured products now include electronic equipment, computers, chemicals, carpets, textiles, tobacco, and machine tools. Printing, engineering, and tourism are also important.

Culture

A person from Glasgow is known as a Glaswegian. Glaswegian is also the name of the local dialect.

Glasgow’s West End is the city's culture and education capital. In this bohemian district, there is a wide range of museums to suit all tastes, few of which charge entrance fees. Important museums include the Kelvingrove Art Gallery, the Hunterian Museum and the Museum of Transport. The city even has the largest public reference library in Europe in the form of the Mitchell Library.

The city is renowned for its culture, with an outstanding nightlife and cultural assets. It is home to some of the finest buildings in Europe, including many beautiful churches and stunning civic buildings, as well as a new breed of stunning modern landmarks.

Sports and Recreational Activities

Glasgow is a cosmopolitan and vibrant city with social activities to suit all tastes and budgets.

Glasgow is the ideal location for family breaks, offering a host of activities for all ages. There are many places of interest in Glasgow; many museums, parks, sports complexes, and places of amusement, from ten pin bowling to paintball.

Glasgow is famous for the old firm: Celtic Football Club and Glasgow Rangers Football Club. Both football stadiums are located approximately 15 minutes from the city centre. In addition there is also the national stadium Hampden, which is the home of national football and the Scottish Football Museum.

Transportation

Glasgow is Scotland's main transportation centre with excellent air, rail and road services. The efficient internal transport network gives good access to the whole city and surroundings.

Glasgow is served by two main rail stations - Glasgow Central station in Argyle Street and the Queen Street station in Queen Street.

Glasgow International Airport lies 8 miles to the south-west of the city at Junction 28 of the M8. The airport is linked to the Buchanan Street Bus Station.