Glasgow Cathedral
Cathedral Street, Glasgow, 552 8198. Mon—Fri 9.30am-lpm & 2—4pm; Sun 2—4pm. Free. A stone-built church has stood on this site since 1136 and the lower church contains the shrine of St Mungo, who died in 1603; however most of the present building dates from the 13th or 15th centuries, the most notable exception being the stained-glass windows, renowned as one of the finest post-war collections in the country. Sunday services take place at 1 lam and 6.30pm and there are daily prayers at noon. Oh, and the necropolis is well worth a wander round as well.
Glasgow School of Art
The Mackintosh Gallery
167 Renfrew Street, Glasgow, 353 4500. Mon—Thu 10am—6pm; Fri 10am—5pm; Sat lOam—noon. £5 (£3). Charles Rennie Mackintosh‘s architectural masterpiece, Glasgow School ofArt is still a working art school, but also provides guided tours for visitors. taking you through the Board Room, Furniture Gallery and Mackintosh Library. Tours Mon—Fri l lam & 2pm; Sat 10.30am & 11.30am.
Holmwood House
61—63 Netherlee Road, Cathcart, Glasgow, 637 2129. Daily 1.30—5.30pm. £3.20 (£2.20). Designed by the famed 19th century architect. Alexander “Greek’ Thomson, this house is an excellent example of his classical style. Investigation is also underway to recover the original interior decoration, again based on classical themes.
Hunterian Art Gallery
University of Glasgow, 82 Hillhead Street, Glasgow, 3305431. Mon—Sat 9.30am—5pm. Free. Home to the university's collection of flat art and sculpture as well as changing exhibitions,
the gallery also features a recreation of Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s Glasgow house which contains a host of original furnishings.
listings
People's Palace & Winter Garden Glasgow Green, Glasgow, 554 0223. Mon—Thu & Sat lOam—Spm; Fri & Sun 1 lam—5pm. Glasgow’s best-loved institution has recently undergone a major facelift to celebrate its centenary year. The new displays are set out thematically with subjects including The Porter; Visions Of The City and Crime And Punishment.
Springburn Museum
Atlas Square, Ayr Street, Glasgow, 557 1405. Tue—Fri 10.30am—5pm; Sat lOam-4.30pm. Free. By use of photographs and artefacts, arts and crafts, the museum brings to life the social and industrial history of the north of Glasgow illustrated by two permanent exhibitions Made In The North and Springburn Park, Yesterday, Today/1nd Tomorrow.
Tenement House
145 Buccleuch Street, Garnethill, Glasgow. 333 0183. Daily 2—5pm. £3 (£2). This typical Victorian tenement flat of 1892 provides a fascinating look at Glasgow life during the first half of the 20th century.
The Tall Ship At Glasgow Harbour 100 Stobcross Road, Glasgow, 339 0631. Daily 10am—5pm. £3.50 (£2.95); accompanied children free. Find out about Glasgow’s maritime heritage on- board the S.V. Glenlec, the only Clyde- built sailing ship still afloat in the UK. Visitors can explore the boat or talk to the crew, and there’s a range of children‘s activities. On-shore, there is a restaurant in the restored Pumphouse as well as a permanent exhibition space.
ON YOUR DOORSTEP Everything you ever wanted to know about
THE PEOPLE'S PALACE AND WINTER GARDEN
Right on the edge of Glasgow Green behind the Barrowland lies one of Glasgow’s best known attractions, The People’s Palace. This museum houses a large permanent exhibition as well as a smaller gallery and Winter Garden.
Relating the story of Glasgow from 1175 up until the present day using photographs, film and sound, the Palace looks at the city's history and contrasts
ON YOUR DOORSTEP Everything you ever wanted to know about EDINBURGH CASTLE
Coming to Edinburgh and not visiting the Castle would be like going to the Lake District and not trying Kendall Mint Cake. It is the feature most people associate with the city and it's haunting figure dominates the Edinburgh skyline. Situated at the very top of the historic Royal Mile, the Castle's impressive structure manages to look both intriguing and foreboding at the same time.
The Castle Esplanade leads up to the Castle, and for anyone short on time or cash, it affords good views of the city and the Castle itself. Once inside there are free guided tours, headsets for speaking tours of the buildings, or if you prefer, you can make your way around the Castle reading the numerous signs and information boards pinpointing items of interest.
The Castle has been used extensively as a military base in the last two centuries,
and the defence theme is very strong throughout. Incorporating the National War Museum of Scotland, the Royal Scots Regimental Museum, a military prison and the Scottish National War Memorial, there is a plethora of displays of war memorabilia and poignant reminders of the lives lost during the World Wars. There is also a section devoted to the one o’clock gun with information on the few time guns still in use, and of course the chance to stand next to another Edinburgh landmark.
Walking around the buildings at the very top of the Castle gives you a real sense of history. The Great Hill exudes a dignified and lavish royal air, the immaculately restored Queen Mary's Chamber features portraits of Mary Queen of Scots, and the Crown jewels are on display alongside the much fought-over Stone Of Destiny. Seeing the jewels and the Stone ranks as one of the highlights of the visit, but with no information on either, the experience was a little disappointing.
The real highlight of the visit had to be the views from the Castle. With near perfect 360° views of the city, this spectacular sight is worth the entrance fee alone, weather permitting of course. There are amazing views of Princes Street and the Gardens, Calton Hill and the Firth of Forth, and information boards depict a selection of landmarks for tourists.
With more than adequate facilities, lots to see, do and learn, and plenty of cafes and book and souvenir shops, Scotland's premier tourist attraction is an experience to remember. (Maureen Ellis)
Fun Factor 4/5 Informative 4/5 Value for money 4/5
How you get there It’s impossible to miss this one! At the top of Castlehill, and drivers can leave their cars in the car park on Castle Terrace.
How much it costs £7 (£2—ES) When it's open 9.30am—6pm; last admission 5.15pm. fl Edinburgh Cast/e, 225 9846.
different styles of living from the Tobacco Lords' mansions to the 'single ends' of the poor. Walking into the exhibition you are greeted with the sounds of a World War II air raid siren and of people running to their shelters away from the bombing. There are also examples of the food rations that the people of Glasgow had to survive on. Other themes look at different eras such as the swinging days at the Barrowland Ballroom where you can play the ‘Take Your Pick' game or the Crime and Punishment exhibit where you are able to relive some of the crimes that were committed in the past and punishments that were handed out. The kids are not forgotten in this exhibition with an area for them called the Patter Of Tiny Feet.
Once you’ve done the museum, take a wander into the glass covered Winter Garden With its lush tropical vegetation and brightly coloured flowers. Relax on one of the many benches or try out Costa, where you can enjoy a coffee and admire the view. The People’s Palace and Winter Garden are a great place for both adults and children to learn about Glasgow and enjoy its history. (Jane Hamilton)
Fun Factor ‘i/g Informative "/5 Value for Money 8/5
Added Extras Shop and cafe. Baby changing faCIlities & wheelchair access. They can also cater for speCIal events, parties and weddings.
How to get there Within walking distance from city centre or take buses heading East to Barrowland.
How much it costs Free entry. When it's open Mon—Thu & Sat lOam-Spm, Fri & Sun 11am—5pm. The Peop/e’s Palace and Winter Garden, Glasgow Green, 554 0223.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Festivals
Change Travel Week Until Fri 22 Sep, Various venues, 467 7905. Improve your fitness and help conserve the environment by leaving the car at home and trying out alternative modes of transport.
Scottish Motor Festival Sat 23—Sun 24 Sep, £5 (£2); family ticket £10. Royal Highland Centre, Ingliston, 333 3036. Ingliston goes motor mad at this annual event with Scotland’s fastest car, and dream cars on display including Ferraris. Lamborghinis and Aston Martins. Plus a chance to test your driving skills with go- karts, racing simttlators and kids’ quads.Therc’s even the possibility of spotting a few celebs.
Edinburgh's Doors Open Day Sat 30 Sep, 10am—5pm. Free. Various venues, 248 1188. Edinburgh’s buildings of interest open their doors for this weekend, and buildings normally closed to the public, and others with a hefty entrance fee will be open and absolutely free! Those opening their doors include the Scottish Parliament, IIM Prison
Edinburgh and the Royal Auxiliary Air Force.
Edinburgh's Festival Of The Environment Sat 30 Sep—Sun 8 Oct, Various venues, 529 3030. Based around the theme of ‘Are You Doing Your Bit?’, the festival has a packed programme of community events and activities. Jubilation Thu 5—Sun 8 Oct, Thu—Sat, 9.30am—5pm; Sun 2—5pm. Free (Gala £10). St Giles’ Cathedral, Royal Mile, 225 9442. The Grand Flower Festival to celebrate the millennium and the 45th anniversary of the Scottish Association of Flower Arrangement Societies. A gala musical evening will also take place on Sunday.
Talks
Astronomy With Large Telescopes Mon 25 Sep, 6.30pm. Free. Swann Buildings, King’s Buildings, Mayfield Road, 668 8405. Dr Catherine Cesarsky presents her account of the future of astronomy, and the importance of the IESO telescopes in Chile.
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