This evening I am posting an image from a visit this evening to a pub in the West End of Glasgow. The establishment is called 'The Primary', evidently a former primary school and now owned by brewery company Bellhaven. Note patriotic flag. A busy pub that serves food. We went on to the theatre nearby. Quite a good evening.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 3:46 PM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting images taken yesterday of my visit to Virginia Place and Virginia Court, Glasgow which offer offer the remaining vestiges of a booming tobacco trade in the late 18th century.

In the 1770s Glasgow controlled over half of all British trade in tobacco, which made up over one third of Scotland's imports and over half its exports. The trade was immensely profitable which resulted in the traders soon becoming the richest men in the world.

The tobacco trade was inextricably linked with slavery and the slave trade.Glasgow found its niche by directly supplying the American colonies with manufactured goods, linen cloth and iron without which they could not survive. The ships returned to Britain with colonial goods, mainly tobacco from Maryland and Virginia but also sugar and other exotic products of slavery from the Caribbean islands.

The tobacco trade collapsed after the American revolution as the former colonies became free of their obligation to transport goods in British ships and by-passed Glasgow selling directly to European markets.




Wall plaque recording the tobacco industry



Place names evidencing the trading links with Virginia

The following two images are of the Tobacco Merchant's House at 42 Miller Street.This house was built by John Craig but the first inhabitants were the leading Glasgow merchant family of Robert Findlay who ran a banking business within the house.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 10:07 AM  0 comments

This afternoon I went into Glasgow to do a little shopping. Here are some images of the activity in Buchanan Street, one of the key thoroughfares in the city and largely closed to traffic. The experience proved something like a modern day version of a medieval street scene with throngs of people and all sorts of traders and entertainers-in addition to the regular shops.

Here is a jazz band in full swing.


Here is a trader selling childrens toys.

Eating alfresco, continental (Europe) style.

This is an escapologist about to tie himself up.


Dr Who telephone box. Now a coffee bar.

Street musician

Stress relief-definitely needed here!!


View towards Buchanan Galleries. Standing room only!

View towards Argyle Street. Not a place for solitude!


Rangers Football Club stall. Very popular as there is a big match tomorrow.


Overall, these scenes reflect the popularity of Glasgow as a shopping destination coupled with the vibrancy of the city.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:21 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some images of my mile long walk yesterday along Glasgow's Sauchiehall Street . This forms one of Glasgow's leading shopping venues and is partly pedestrianised (vehicles excluded). The street is very long and runs from the centre of Glasgow out to the West End near Kelvingrove Museum. The unusual name is derived form the old name for Willow Tree


Here is the Cameron Memorial Fountain. This sits at an angle and is in a sorry state,


Street View
Here are the famous Willow Tea Rooms ( first floor) designed by Glasgow's famous designer, Charles Rennie Mackintosh.
More views of Sauchiehall Street in the Spring sunshine.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 10:37 AM  0 comments

Today, I finally achieved a personal objective in photographing the statues in George Square in context of a tour of Glasgow. These represent the 'Great and Good' of Victorian times and earlier.

Here is a general view with the Scott Monument prominent in the centre.


This is James Oswald, M.P.
This is Dr. Thomas Graham
Thomas Campbell, Poet

Lord Clyde
Sir John Moore
Robert Burns

Sir Walter Scott
William Ewart Gladstone
Sir Robert Peel

Queen Victoria, who visited Glasgow August 14th 1849.

James Watt

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 9:43 AM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some images from today's one day tour from Glasgow. We completed a big circle taking in Loch Lomond, Killin, Loch Tay, Kenmore, Pitlochry, Crieff, and Stirling. Here are some of the images

This is a view of Loch Lomond with Ben Lomond in the distance.




This is the Great Hall at Stirling Castle.


Here is the King and Queen inside the Great Hall.


Here is Edradour Whiskey Distillery, Scotland's smallest distillery.

Another aspect of Edradour
Decision time inside the Edradour shop


Croft Moraig Stone Circle which dates back about 5000 years.

Another aspect of Croft Moraig
Entrance to Taymouth Castle.

Kenmore Hotel at the northern end of Loch Tay. We had a good lunch here.


Falls of Dochart at Killin

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:58 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some images from a recent tour of historic Glasgow which included Provand's Lordship, Glasgow's oldest house.

This property is located on Cathedral Street, in close proximity to Glasgow Cathedral, which reflects is ecclesiastical origins.

Provand's Lordship dates from 1471. The property was originally built as a manse for St. Nicholas Hospital which was established opposite the Cathedral around 1460.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:16 PM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some images taken from a recent visit to Glasgow City Chambers aka City Hall which is conveniently located on the edge of George Square in Central Glasgow.

Escorted tours of the interior are available.

City Chambers date from 1882-90 ( William Young) and houses the City's local government. Some key issues concerning the architecture:

• Entrance based on 3rd century Arch of Constantine in Rome.
• Inside the main door, the Loggia ( gallery or corridor) has a patterned vaulted ceiling featuring 1.5m pieces of mosaic.
• The building features two open staircases with the grander of the two (the Marble Staircases) rising three stories.
• The grand banqueting hall is on the second floor. On the walls of the hall are hung paintings illustrating Glasgow's history.
  

Interior open staircases


Front entrance taken from George Square

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 10:29 AM  0 comments

This evening I am posting some images from yesterday's visit to Glasgow Cathedral.

The site has been held sacred for over 1500 years with the first stone built Cathedral dating from 1136.

The Cathedral has five major components, viz:

• Nave
• Quire
• Upper and Lower Chapter Houses
• Lower Church
• Blacader Aisle

Glasgow Cathedral is best known for being the only church of Pre-Reformation date to have been left largely intact by the ravages of the Reformation. It has a fine collection of modern stained glass.Traditionally, the Cathedral has close links withe the military (army).


Here is an image of the nave which has an open timber roof of late medieval design.

This is the Blacader Aisle (1483-1508) . The window shown in the image is the oldest in the Cathedral.

This is the tomb of St.Kentigern (St.Mungo) located in the Lower Church


View looking towards the Choir with stone pulpitium in middle distance

External view of the west end of the Cathedral

The Cathedral stands high on a hill overlooking modern-day Glasgow. This area is very historic and includes Provand's Lordship (which dates back to 1471) and the Glasgow Necropolis.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 10:28 AM  0 comments

This morning I was out taking photographs of historic parts of Glasgow and came across the city emblem which can be found in great abundance around the Cathedral area. What follows is the story behind the emblem; this seems somewhat fanciful as these embellished legends often do. Here we go:

• The tree represented is an oak which commenced life as hazel. The background to this story is that St. Mungo (patron saint of Glasgow Cathedral and also known as Kentigern) was in charge of a holy fire in St. Serf's Monastery but he fell asleep and other students (jealous of Mungo's preferred position) put out the fire. However, St. Mungo obtained frozen branches from a hazel tree and by praying over them caused the fire to reignite.This story would date to about the 6th century AD.
• The bird represented is a wild robin which was tamed by St.Serf but died. St. Mungo was blamed for the death but he was able to restore the bird to life by breathing over it.
• The fish represented has a ring in its mouth. The background to this dates back about 1500 years when the King of Strathclyde gave his queen a ring as a present. She gave to a knight who lost it. The King demanded to see the ring on pain of death. The knight confessed to St. Mungo who arranged for a fish to be caught in the river. The fish was cut open by St. Mungo and found the ring. The symbol of fish with ring was incorporated in the Bishop of Glasgow's personal seal around 1271 and was subsequently incorporated in the Glasgow coat of arms.
• The bell represents "St.Mungo's Bell" which was commissioned in 1450 when John Stewart, the first Lord Provost of Glasgow, left an endowment so that the inhabitants could pray for his soul every time the bell was tolled. The practice of ringing the bell continued at least until 1578.
  

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 9:31 AM  0 comments

This morning I went into the Gorbals area. This is a name long associated with social deprivation although back in the 18th century was an upscale area.

Here is an image of a former tenement block for which the area was notorious. Its all boarded up now but seems structurally sound.


This is an image of a local car repair company operating under a former railway bridge.


Here is an image of a road intersection with pub in foreground and a redundant derelict church in the background. the church is very interesting. It is known as the Caledonian Road Church and was designed by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson 1856-7. The tower is most unusual and may have been inspired by German architecture of the time.


Here are some images of tower blocks, formerly used for social housing, which are being prepared for demolition. There will be controlled explosions during first weekend in June. Should be quite a show!!


See this site for more information on the Gorbals area

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 7:43 AM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some images of Glasgow's Kelvingrove museum.

This is both art gallery and museum which dates from 1901 and re-opened July 11th 2006.

The building is of red sandstone and was designed by London architects Simpson and Milner Allen

Kelvingrove features over 8,000 objects including:

• Art masterpieces by Rembrandt and Titian
• Impressionist paintings
• Weaponry and suits of armour.
• Dali's Christ of St.John of the Cross
• A mummy and many other objects from ancient Egypt
  

This fascinating site is well worth a visit when in Glasgow.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:47 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I am presenting some images from this morning's cycle ride. I took the opportunity to take some images of Rangers FC stadium at Ibrox in the spring sunshine.

Rangers Football (Soccer) Club dates back to 1872 and vies for position as Scotland's top club.

More information can be found at this website.




For tours of Glasgow visit this web page

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 8:43 AM  0 comments

This evening I am presenting some images of the interior of Glasgow's Centre for Contemporary Arts.

I found this by chance. The Centre aims to create a relaxing, creative environment. The Centre's programme is focused on:

• Visual arts
• Contemporary music and film
• Dance performance and spoken word

Light refreshments are available. Its a nice to drop in for refreshment and to absorb the atmosphere. The architecture is interesting.



Visit this web page for more information on Glasgow Tours.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 2:02 PM  0 comments

Here is an image of a friendly urban fox taken last night.

Incredibly, all the snow has melted now.

Our fox is quite friendly and will usually allow humans within about 10 feet.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:16 PM  0 comments

This morning there occurred an unusual coincidence of weather for March in Glasgow in that (a) there was bright sunshine and (b) crisp snow after some falls over the previous 24 hours. So, I went off on my bike to nearby Rouken Glen to get some pics.

Firstly Rouken Glen is an unusual name. It is derived from Rokandmyll meaning ‘mill at the end of the rock’. It is a recreational park for southern Glasgow encompassing many acres of parkland, a golf course and boating lake.

Here is an image of a youngster out tobogganing on the golf course. Q Why was he not at school?!


Here are two images taken from the golf course looking north over Glasgow towards the Campsie Fells. Tower blocks in the middle distance.



Here is the waterfall. There is enough energy generated here to power a small hydro scheme!

In the 18th century industry was attracted to Rouken Glen as a function of the water power. Maybe we may have to go back to harness that energy?


Boating lake at Rouken Glen. Picture gives the impression of mid summer but the shores are covered in snow. There are many waterfowl present, i.e.swans, ducks, geese, etc.


For information on Glasgow tours see this web page

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:17 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I am presenting an overview of Glasgow's Southern Necropolis. This is a 'closed' cemetery located close to Glasgow's Gorbals area and is home to remains of about 250,000 people.

This is an absolutely fascinating site to visit.It holds the graves and headstones of of leading merchants, traders, shipbuilders and architects all of whom contributed to generating the wealth which positioned Glasgow as the 'second city of the British empire'. There is much to interest the ancestry researcher and people interested in social history such as the high incidence of infant mortality which was a feature of the 19th century.

Entrance to the Necropolis is through an impressive, castellated Norman-style gatehouse built by Charles Wilson in 1848, currently in a poor state of repair.





Contact Catswhiskerstours for a Glasgow Tour

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 5:47 AM  0 comments

This morning I am presenting some images of one of Scotland's most iconic sites.

Govan (near Glasgow) has a remarkable heritage of thirty one early Christian carved stones which date from the 9th-11th centuries. They range from a sarcophagus and recumbant cross-slabs to free-standing crosses and cross-slabs together with a group of five hogback monuments. The stones indicate influences from Pictland to the north and Cumbria to the south. The present church dates from the 19th century but it sits on the site of an early Christian church dedicated to St. Constantine which may have been founded by the late 9th century.

The Govan Old Parish Church is effectively a museum housing the famous stones and is well worth a visit.

Hog back with 'roof tiles'. Beasts at each end face each other over the ridge of the hogback.


Interior of Govan Old Parish Church

Two of the carved stones

One side of the 'sun stone' showing a rider on a strange beast.



Sarcophagus which it assumed was created to hold the body of the founder of the early church, possibly St. Constantine.

Visit ancient Scotland with Catswhiskerstours

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 1:53 AM  0 comments

The Glasgow Necropolis is considered one the most significant cemeteries in Europe. It is located conveniently close to Glasgow Cathedral and easily accessible. Commanding views of Glasgow are available from the summit.

The Necropolis has been described as a 'unique representation of Victorian Glasgow, built when Glasgow was second city of the (British) empire. It exudes the confidence, wealth and security of that era.

The site is populated by memorials to the merchant patriachs of the City and contains the remains of leading Glaswegians. The memorials are designed by such notable architects as Alexander 'Greek' Thomson, Bryce, Hamilton and Mackintosh.

The masonry work is of a very high standard.

This first image is actually of the Southern Necropolis near the Gorbals. Like its northern sibling it contains the memorials to the Great and the Good.It is strange place, partly vandalised but kept in a neat condition.


General view of the Necropolis
This is the Major Archibald Douglas Monteath Mausoleum which is based on the Knights Templar Church of the Holy Sepulchre,
Another general view with the Dunn of Duntocher Monument to the immediate right.


A view with the John Henry Alexander Monument in the centre left.This gentleman died as the result of an incident in a Glasgow theatre and the memorial reflects his thespian background and demise. The front section is an elaborate proscenium stage, with footlights, and the figures of tragedy and comedy complete with a laurel wreath all representing Alexander's final curtain call.

Both Northern and Southern Necropolis appeal to a wide range of interests including photography, history, architecture, masonry and social history. Allow about 1 hour for each visit.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:59 PM  0 comments

This afternoon I am providing some information on Provand's Lordship which is Glasgow's second oldest building from the medieval period. The building was a manse belonging to the clergy of Barlanark or Provan but is believed to have been built as a manse for the hospital of St. Nicholas. The building dates from about 1471 and was built by Andrew Muirhead. This ancient building is well worth a visit and is conveniently close to the Cathedral and Necropolis.

The image is a view of the rear of the building.

Tour Glasgow with Catswhiskerstours

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 5:34 AM  0 comments

Today, I have collated some images of past photo tours of Glasgow.

This is a mix of old and new architecture taken at Southern Necropolis. 20th century and 18th century.

Southern Necropolis in the evening sun. Well worth a visit.
This apparently boring building is in fact one of the few remaining tenements in the notorious Gorbals district. The building is now a boarded up ruin.


This is the Caledonia Road Church which sits on the edge of the Gorbals.It was designed by Alexander 'Greek' Thomson 1856-57 but burned out by vandals in 1965.


The following are images form the Necropolis near Glasgow Cathedral.This is a memorial to the merchant patriarchs of Glasgow and contains the remains of almost every eminent Glaswegian of its day.



This is Glasgow Cathedral
Inside of the Glasgow Cathedral
Central Railway Station
View of the Clyde with 'Squinty Bridge'


View through the Squinty Bridge
View down the Clyde
Paddle Steamer Waverley
View of the Clyde taken from top of Science Centre Tower
Science Centre Tower

Glasgow has much for the photographer especially in the evening when the centre is lit up.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 7:37 AM  0 comments

Today, I escorted a Charles Rennie Mackintosh tour of Glasgow. First stop was the recreated interior of The Mackintosh House at 6 Florentine Terrace, Glasgow at The Hunterian Art Gallery. However, photographs are not allowed.

Here is an image of the Willow Tea Rooms at Sauchiehall Street. This was created by Mackintosh for Kate Cranston.


Here are some external images of the Glasgow School of Art which was designed by Mackintosh in 1896. We undertook a guided internal tour during which no pictures were allowed.


Here is the famous house for an Art Lover, designed 1901 but not completed until 1996.










This is a piece of somewhat neglected furniture inside the Ruchill Church Hall.

External view of Ruchill Church Hall-a well planned minor work of Mackintosh.



The following are images of the Mackintosh Church, Queens Cross. This is quite stunning. It is the only designed by Mackintosh which was actually built. Light and space are used to dramatic effect in the interior.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 12:43 PM  0 comments

Today, the snow has gone and I went out to Queen's Park (south Glasgow) to obtain pics of an unusual concentration of churches within a few hundred yards/meters of each other.

Firstly, here is an image of an apparent innocuous piece of a nearby public park-which it is. However, this actually the site of a major battle, the most significant to take place within Glasgow city boundaries and which was fought at Langside in 1568. On the morning of 13 May, forces in support of Mary, Queen of Scots were marching from Hamilton towards Dumbarton Castle when they found their path blocked by troops commanded by the Regent Moray.
Moving now to the churches. There are five, almost within spitting distance of each other, including two baptist churches. Here is the first-a Baptist Church. Sorry, but I don't have a wide angle lens. Obviously, a huge edifice.


This one is Church of Scotland
This one dates from the late 1800s and appears no longer in use for religious purposes and is for sale.
This is the other Baptist Church

This is a synagogue

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 6:28 AM  0 comments

Today, the snow finally arrived. Just a light fall really, the east of Scotland seems to have the worst of the weather.

Went out to see heritage property, Greenbank House which has an interesting garden and good for pics at this time of year. Here are a few images of Greenbank in winter.

Labels: Glasgow

posted by Catswhiskers @ 3:57 AM  0 comments

Today, was cold with some light snow falling. The east of Scotland is hardest hit by the snow but we may get our share of the heavier stuff in the next day or so. Here are some pics taken south of Glasgow on a cold in January.

Rouken Glen pond.