Glasgow: Where compassion lives

Glasgow is one of those cities that restores your faith in humanity. It is compassionately welcoming. Glaswegians are kind in a very sincere way. It comes as no surprise that it was just voted the friendliest city in the world. As Scotland’s largest city, Glasgow feels more authentic than the slightly more uptight Edinburgh. Glasgow is rougher, edgier and attracts more independent thought. This can be seen in the street style of its residents, the Glaswegians. But in the past, Glasgow has always had a bit of a bad reputation.

Once upon a time, Glasgow was one of the centres of the British Empire. Much of the Industrial Revolution took place here, as did the beginning of capitalism. As the main artery between the US-Europe tobacco trade, Glasgow became very wealthy in the 18th century. By the time the tobacco trade dwindled by the 19th century, Glasgow had already switched to the coal and steel industries, textile manufacturing, and shipbuilding. But after the carpet bombings in the Second World War, the port and heavy industries started to diminish and Glasgow turned into a ghost town. With mass unemployment, economic depression, a heroin epidemic and urban gang violence, the 1970s and early 1980s were gloomy times for Glasgow.

Today, Glasgow has recovered and has experienced an economic and cultural rebirth. Its financial service sector has grown substantially revitalizing the city and restoring the confidence of Glaswegians. Glasgow is also home to the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, in addition to the numerous museums and flourishing music scene.

Check out the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum for Scottish art and inspiration; Buchanan Street and Merchant City for shopping and to get a feel for the centre; and the Glasgow University and Kelvingrove, a cool student area with lots of cafes.