In his book ‘Notes from a Small Island’ Bill Bryson writes of a prominent Scottish city:
“… the world began cautiously to come … and thereupon discovered to its delight that this was a city densely endowed with splendid museums, lively pubs, world class orchestras and no fewer than seventy parks, more than any other city of its size in Europe. .. Never before had a city’s reputation undergone a more dramatic transformation – and none, as far as I am concerned, deserves it more.”
This particular city is Glasgow – the largest city in Scotland – a place that is enjoying renewed interest and now competing with Edinburgh for the headlines as a desirable destination.
Taking pole position in keeping up the sporting momentum after the London 2012 Olympics, Glasgow will play host to the 2014 Commonwealth Games and additionally is still in the running for holding the 2018 Summer Youth Olympics.
Sporting Past
Glasgow actually would be in contention for medals in terms of playing a part in the UK’s sporting heritage. The city was instrumental in kicking off association football – i.e. soccer, or “proper football”. The game itself probably evolved from a ball passing game played at Queen’s Park FC sometime in the 1870’s and Glasgow was the venue, in 1872, of the very first official international football match. The teams were England and Scotland – and if you don’t want to know the result, look away now – which finished as a 0-0 draw. No penalty shoot-outs in those days.
Another, more genteel ball game, bowls, can trace its formal rules to Glasgow. As a result at one time the city had the highest density of bowling greens. That at the location of the 1901 Kelvingrove International Exhibition will be used for the event at the Games in 2014.
Sporting Present
Olympic tennis gold medallist and now 2013 Wimbledon champion, Andy Murray was born in Glasgow and on occasions when Great Britain is competing in the Davis Cup, as a courtesy to Murray when he elects to play, the venue chosen is the Braehead Arena. Not just a sports centre, the venue puts on shows and theatrical events and also performances somewhere between the two – WWE Live wrestling in November 2013.
After Playtime
Continuing to win in other disciplines, Glasgow is now one of Europe’s top ten financial centres and is home to many of Scotland’s leading businesses. With these sports events, entertainment and commercial attractions in the city, now would be an ideal time to book a hotel in Glasgow and have a practice run before returning next year for the Commonwealth Games
After some time in the shadow of Edinburgh – now is Glasgow’s time in the spotlight.(function() {
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