Glasgow & Scotland

Glasgow, with a population of around 650,000, is Scotland's largest city, the commercial capital of Scotland and one of the liveliest and most cosmopolitan destinations in Europe. While formerly known for building ships, locomotives and powerful machines, the city has been reborn as a centre of style and vitality set against a backdrop of outstanding Victorian architecture. It is also blessed by being surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in Western Europe. Glasgow boasts world famous art collections, the best shopping in the United Kingdom outside London and over 20 wonderful museums and galleries, each with its own individual collection and events programme, and all with free admission. And being within the city centre, the conference is within easy reach of the many visitor attractions on offer:

• The world famous Burrell Collection, a purpose-built gallery to house the unorthodox and eclectic collection of artefacts gifted to Glasgow by Sir William Burrell
• The magnificent Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, reopened in July 2006 after a 3 year and £27.9m restoration, which houses the city’s principal collection of paintings, and is the Scotland’s most frequently visited free attraction
• The Transport Museum, with its ever popular collection of Glasgow Trams, locomotives, an exact reconstruction of a 1930’s Glasgow street, and the city’s new Museum of Football
• St Mungo’s Museum of Religious Life and Art, the UK’s only museum celebrating the world’s many religions
• Glasgow Gallery of Modern Art, a new gallery set in the refurbished Stirling’s Library, and housing the city’s principal modern art collection
• Scotland Street School, a former Charles Rennie Mackintosh School preserved as the city’s Museum of Education
• Scotland's flagship millennium attraction, the Glasgow Science Centre featuring interactive exhibits & planetarium
• The People's Palace, which tells the story of Glasgow, the city's past & its people
• The Tall Ship Glenlee, at Glasgow Harbour, with its interactive exhibitions and events programme.

Glasgow has a lot to offer as the largest retail centre in the UK outside London. At the same time, the city offers a multitude of stunning architecture styles, and in particular there are many fine examples of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the famous Glasgow- born architect and designer. The Lighthouse, Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design & the City, features a Mackintosh Interpretation Centre. Glasgow also has an extensive range of restaurants, cafes and bars.

For further information about what you'll be able to enjoy in Glasgow visit seeglasgow.com.

Glasgow surroundings:

Glasgow is fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most breathtaking scenery in Western Europe, made famous during the years in verse and song. Do consider taking time before and after conference to sample the magic of Scotland. The mystery of the mountains and glens. Dark lochs and mile upon mile of unspoilt coastline. Just one visit and the spell is cast!

Sense the history as you explore the medieval castles and backgrounds, the splendid baronial towers or the lavish Victorian hunting lodges and stately homes.

Sample the cuisine that has made Scotland internationally renown; fresh seafood, superb game and beef. Sample the other spirit of refreshment that began life in the highland burn and grew to maturity as a fine malt whisky in the ancient distillery.

For the more energetic there are suberb sailing waters and world-famous salmon and trout rivers. And, of course, there is golf! The championship courses at Turnberry, Gleneagles, Royal Troon and St Andrews are the envy of the world and all within easy reach.

Further information can be found at visitscotland.com.