Glasgow – Dougie Baird, The Travel Guy

river snow Glasgow West End Travel Guy, Dougie Baird, was born and bred in city of Glasgow; he holds his birthplace in deep affection and loves nothing more than taking a walk with his camera, capturing the essence of the city – its people, parks, events, city scapes and buildings old and new.

Through his great photographs Dougie aims to show Glasgow has changed since the days of heavy industry. Some of the most dramatic improvements can be seen along the waterfront on the banks of the River Clyde.

Glasgow Tourist Attractions

Glasgow has many beautiful parks and great galleries and museums. Dougie is particularly fond of Kelvingrove, “the highlight of any visit”, and one of Scotland’s main tourist attractions: “Venture upstairs and marvel at the Masters. Van Gogh,Rembrandt and Degas are all there and my favourite Lowry.”

Kelvingrove also has special exhibitions such as ‘Jack Vettriano – A Retrospective.

Kelvingove g and mGlasgow West End

The part of the city around Kelvingrove, Park and University of Glasgow is particularly beautiful and Dougie has taken many photographs around this area.

Glasgow became a University City in 1451 when the University of Glasgow was built in High Street. It moved to its current location at Gilmorehill in Glasgow’s West End in 1870. The high number of students adds to the West End’s bohemian atmosphere.

merchant cityThe Merchant City

Dougie is also a fan of Glasgow’s Merchant City, where the tobacco merchants of the 18th century invested in the development of some great buildings. At the heart of the city lies George Square, where the elaborate Victorian City Chambers, headquarters of Glasgow City Council, is situated.

The design of the city is based on the grid system so it’s easy to find your way around. Glasgow is the second city of shopping in the UK, after London, with the Merchant City and Buchanan Street being most upmarket – th latter was winner of the Academy of Urbanism “Great Street Award” 2008.

Princes Square and the Italian Centre specialise in designer labels and popular city centre shopping malls include The Buchanan Gallery and the St Enoch Centre.

fest kiltsEntertainment in Glasgow

With its enviable selection of restaurants, bars, clubs and theatres there is no shortage of entertainment. In 2008 Glasgow was named UNESCO City of Music, in recognition of its “musical riches, the vibrancy of its music scene and its role as a world player in music” – spanning many genres, including both their production and performance.

Throughout the year Glasgow has an array of wonderful festivals and these attract many visitors to the city. Among the most popular festivals are: Celtic Connections, Glasgow Film Festival, Glasgow International Jazz Festival, West End Festival, Glasgay! Merchant City Festival and Aye Write! the city’s book festival.

Dougie Baird’s Great Travel Pictures

Book accommodation in Glasgow

Places to stay in Scotland

This section: Dougie Baird Travel Writers Blog

Written by :

Avatar of PatByrne Publisher of Pat's Guide to Glasgow West End; the community guide to the West End of Glasgow. Fiction and non-fiction writer.

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