Published in Scotland Magazine Issue 15 on 18/7/2004.

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Culture on the Clyde

Glasgow may not be the obvious destination in Europe for a cultural city break but it has enough art, architecture and style to rival the likes of Barcelona argues Kate Ennis

When picking a destination in Europe for a cultural city break, Paris with its wealth of art galleries or Barcelona with its fabulous Gaudi architecture, instantly spring to mind. Where else would you find such a rich tapestry of buildings dominated by the legacy of renowned architects, a city packed with superb museums and art collections, an extensive programme of cultural events, chic cafés, boutique hotels and general style in abundance? On the west coast of Scotland, actually.

Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city has got it all. OK, so the Scottish weather might not match up to the Mediterranean sunshine of Barcelona. But if you disregard the drizzle, Glasgow has as much to offer those searching for a culture filled break as its European counterparts.

Surprised? Well, with a heritage as a trading centre and then the world’s shipbuilding capital, the subsequent industrial decline that Glasgow suffered painted a grey picture for potential visitors. But in the last two decades, the level to which Scotland’s largest city has reinvented itself is remarkable.

The city today is vibrant, cosmopolitan and a hub of style and creativity.

Glasgow was awarded the title of ‘European City of Culture’ back in 1990 and more recently ‘UK City of Architecture and Design in 1999’, and celebrating its unique cultural assets has proved key to Glasgow’s makeover success.

The biggest asset by far is the legacy of the world-renowned Glaswegian architect and designer – Charles Rennie Mackintosh.....

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By Kate Ennis

Section : Regional Focus

Page number : 46