A visit to Glasgow is a must for any traveler. Glasgow has now become a very popular stop on the map of seasoned globetrotters and also for visitors a little closer to hand. Glasgow offers many things and is rich in local culture and historical facts.
Glasgow history began its humble beginnings way back in the 6th century when it was founded by a Christian missionary called St Mungo who established a church where the now famous Glasgow Cathedral stands to this day. By the arrival of the 16th century Glasgow’s trade to foreign shores had been successfully implemented helped allow the way by the River Clyde which linked it to the rest of Scotland and opened up shipping channels throughout Europe and America.
Raw minerals in the form of coal and iron transformed Glasgow into an industrial city and this in turn saw Glasgow becoming one of the world’s richest industrial cities and generated massive investment and the building of many modern day structures and landmarks.
In more recent years, around the 1960’s, Glasgow’s good fortune was dwindling mainly due to the closure of the shipbuilding companies along the River Clyde who were responsible for the creation of the globally famous QE2. Also during this time, Glasgow was creating housing schemes riddled with new age tower blocks which in turn led to the loss of community spirit and laid the foundations for localized crime and deprivation.
The 70’s and 80’s were problematic decades for Glasgow as heavy industry was in decline leading to widespread unemployment and financial hardship. Since the mid 80’s however, Glasgow has had a major economic boost, financial institutions moved into Glasgow city center to create a thriving business hotspot.
Since this time, Glasgow has gone from strength to strength in relation to its image and outlook. Glasgow has been very busy regenerating its inner city buildings and council housing and residents were invited to become owners of private residential property. The introduction of the Glasgow Garden Festival in 1988 on the banks of the River Clyde in Govan was a major success and this was closely followed by Glasgow being awarded the coveted title of European City of Culture in 1990.
This catapulted Glasgow into the international spotlight and after many achievements and recognition of hard work, Glasgow was also named City of Architecture and Design in 1999 and European Capital of Sport in 2003. This has led Glasgow to become an investment hotspot and the once derelict shipbuilding sites of the river clyde have been metamorphically transformed into luxurious riverside apartments and penthouses with commanding views over the city skyline.
This regeneration has led to widespread redevelopment of the city and surrounding suburban areas and this in turn has helped Glasgow to attract record numbers of tourists and thus creating a booming tourism industry. This overall success is reflected in the decision to appoint Glasgow as the host city for the 2014 Commonwealth Games, a major boost to the City in terms of investment and world interest and a proud moment in history that Glasgow fully deserves. So book your place now and visit Glasgow.