GLASGOW - The Dear Green Place.

On our Scottish trip in August, our base was Glasgow, The Dear Green Place. This endearing name derives from Gaelic and  the city does contain many parks and green spaces. This sign was on  the hoardings around George Square where extensive work began earlier this year and is expected to be completed by August 2026. Running to the tune of over 123 million  pounds, this project will provide widened peripheral pavements, raised lawns, new trees, new seating and sheltered areas.  Statues have already been removed for cleaning and restoration  - I can't wait  to see the refurbished popular area. 

 

One of our first 'Scottish' experiences in the city was hearing the skirl of the bagpipes. Off we wnet in search of the musicians and , to our surprise, found they were from Brazil. All decked out in Highland garb they proudly played with enthusiasm!  

When in Edinburgh we met a friend who confessed he was a bit 'drouthy' - a lovely Scottish word, with the same roots as 'drought', for 'thirsty'. So when I saw this establishment name I had to record it. Colin, this one's for you ! :) 

You'll notice the sign includes a traffic cone  - a nod to the local habit of placing one on the statue of the Duke of Wellington, thus expressing their pride, affection and humour. It's now an established land mark : he has been officially bedecked with a yellow and blue cone in support of Ukraine, a gold cone to honour team GB's success at the 2012 Olympic Games and a replica of the statue took its place in the Commonwealth Games in 2014.  Wonder if he'll be a feature of the same event next August?

 

This marvellous mural is just by the banks of the river. A favourite of mine - we have a replica of one of his chairs -  Charles Rennie Mackintosh  was a famous local architect and artist. Here is his handsome rendition adorned by his famous rosebud design.  

When we attended the Tutankhamun Immersive Exhibition, it was on the Scottish Event Campus which was completed in 2000. One of the three venues there is the impressive Clyde Auditorium seen below. It is better known by the  local nickname, The Armadillo!

 

Of course while there we enjoyed epicurean experiences  - here we are at The Ivy, part of a national chain of restaurants. Its warm ambience and friendly staff really helped us savour our steak and fish'n'chips.  

I have to close with my Clydeside pose .I am so proud to say that, being born in the city, I am considered to be a 'Weegie'. May it not be too long until we return to the Dear Green Place.