About 30 miles east of Greenock, Glasgow is known as the "Second City of the Empire." One of Britain's liveliest cities, a recent rejuvenation along with many priceless art collections draws visitors to the city center, built along the north bank of the river. Stroll around the renovated Merchant City, along Byres Road in the West End, or down Buchanan Street, one of the city's principal shopping thoroughfares.
ARTFUL TREASURES
Glasgow is best known for its fine collections of art, with more than twenty worthwhile museums and galleries. The renowned Glasgow Art Gallery and Museum features a collection of European armor and paintings by the artist Whistler. The famed Burrell Museum features over 8,000 items from Sir William Burrell's collection of Dutch masters, French Impressionists, ancient artifacts and medieval tapestries.
GLASGOW'S BIRTH SITE
The Glasgow Cathedral is a magnificent example of pre-Reformation Gothic architecture, and the only medieval church on the Scottish mainland to survive the 1560 Reformation. The ground was consecrated for Christian burial in 397 A.D., making this hallowed ground for over 1500 years.
UNIQUE ATTRACTIONS
Other places of interest include The College of Piping, established in 1944 it's Scotland's oldest centre for teaching the bagpipe, and Fossil Grove, the remains of an ancient forest in Victoria Park more than 300 million years old.
INVERARY CASTLE
A treasure trove of Scottish history can be found just north of the city at Inverary Castle, ancestral home of the famous Clan Campbell. Take in the grandeur of the chief house of Argyll and the lush surrounding gardens, learn of the Clan's notorious feud with the Clan MacGregor and the celebrated "Rob Roy," and treat yourself to an authentic Scottish kilt. The kilts of the 42nd "Black Watch" regiment are patterned on the Campbell tartan.