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Greetings from the UK's 3rd most populous city. Glasgow. (Wiki info 2026.) Colourful streamers in a lane at Barclays Bank Complex. Alan and I met here as we arrived by bus from different areas where we lived. Alan mentioned on a previous walk that he'd never been along the south bank/ Adelphi Street side of the River Clyde in the Gorbals/ Hutchestontown districts and I hadn't walked there either for several years so that was our pick as we were both looking for new walks to entertain us. Given the high price of vehicle fuel and food at the moment travelling a long distance for walks when we don't have to seems sensible as neither of us has fat wallets/ spare cash to splash around at the present time.
We passed by Glasgow Central Mosque built in 1984. I've been in it in the 1990s for a doors open day or some other event like that.
We then passed the City of Glasgow Nautical College and Training Centre....
Including this lifeboat launcher to practice on which shoots you into the river to bob about and learn rescue techniques. Might save the crew but it is not speedy once launched.
Old Glasgow bridges and spires.
Once you get to Glasgow Green, Glasgow's oldest park, where public hangings, city fairs, and public washing lines once stood, it's very green and lush.
Semi green and lush on our side of the river with the hi rise flats of Hutchesontown dominating the view here.
The last time I passed here I don't think I noticed the murals on these whisky storage tanks. Maybe I did but didn't feature them then. I didn't recognize any of the three faces however so thank you again AI. The nearest is Tom McGuire of funk/soul band Tom McGuire and the Brassholes painted by Michael Corr. Middle is Margaret MacDonald ( late 1800s/early 1900s 'Glasgow Style' Artist.) painted by Molly Hankinson.
Third I thought might just be Ally McCoist with a beard ( probably the blue jacket made me go in that direction) but turned out to be Mark Coyle by Rougeoner. All folk from or living in Glasgow. As I was asking AI various questions I also asked it " If humanity messes up the world can AI save it- the climate, wildlife, and planet Earth? " Boo Hoo! I was disappointed. It gave a very honest and interesting answer. Not a glib politician answer.Try it yourself.
Looking back at the city centre from the blue suspension bridge into Glasgow Green.
Blue suspension bridge into the park. Built 1885.
Which took us out at the parsonage house.
They have a collection of boats nearby for saving life on the river.
After a walk around this large park we headed up to the former Templeton's Carpet factory, William Leiper the architect, inspired by the Doge's Palace in Venice. Multi coloured tiles inspired by the carpets made within. Now a small business centre/ enterprise type of thing.
Next to it stands the Doulton Fountain, built 1888 and still the largest terracotta fountain in the world. It is very impressive. Queen Victoria on the top with the countries/ nations of the Commonwealth depicted below. Canada, Australia, India, etc....
India detail.
Glasgow's coat of arms on the Doulton Fountain.
The 3rd big attraction in Glasgow Green used to be the People's Palace ( a vibrant museum about Glasgow history and life) and the attached Winter Gardens, ( hothouse trees/plants and a popular cafe under heated glass) both seen here, above, but they have been closed for years. I did read a funding grant had been raised so hopefully both will reopen again at some point. Many UK cities are strapped for cash in recent years. It is a changed world. Public services we once took for granted across the city either closed/disappeared or cut well past the bone.
On a gable wall directly behind the former Templeton's carpet factory is this mural of St Thenue ( also known as St Enoch and St Thenaw?) Mother of St Mungo. An ancient princess she was thrown off a cliff ( Traprain Law) by King Lot ( her father) after she got pregnant without his blessing ( where Lothian gets its name from) but survived and fled across the Firth of Forth guided by friendly fish. ( it is a half legend after all.) St Mungo patron saint of Glasgow was the result. I like to play around with the famous lines. 'The fish that could not fly. The bird that could not swim. The tree that never flew. The bell that never grew.' Which one is the odd one out/ true statement?
After that we ended up around the Barras Market for some further murals.
Silver Linings by Soleveins and Shaun Devenney. While the world burns around him at least he's still got a signal on his smart phone.... so he is happy.
Goose. Cabin Bar.
Birds and flowers. Also Cabin Bar. Barras District. Both by Nikki K. and Little book transfers.
Clay pipe factory. Built late 1870s B listed. Barras Market.
Glasgow Cross. The oldest part of Glasgow and the heart of the old city when it was just a dozen streets in total starting here at the High Street..
The Social Hub. A brand new hotel in grey with the much older building in white. Glasgow Cross/ Argyle Street. Where we got a bus home to our respective districts.
And a real treat. Glasgow/gorbals rock legends from the early 1970s. They were unique at the time and formed before USA band Kiss. Part musical theatre part edgy rock act. All styles of music covered with ease. Separate from Glam Rock but predated Punk. Nothing else like them- before or since.
https://www.dailymotion.com/video/x8tyc9a
5 comments:
Oh, I really like what used to be the old carpet factory and the fountain with Queen Victoria on top. Glasgow looks like lots of buildings i would like to look at!
Hi Kay, they are buildings that will never be replicated from a time when Glasgow and Scotland provided many of the ships, steam engines and manufactured goods sold around the world. It might have been a tough life for the workers but they did have jobs for life if they wanted them. Far more uncertainty for young people today. And more complex issues to deal with.
shame about the Winter Gardens - would be a great place to re-open so I hope they do. That looks a pretty nice walk around there. I'm coming to Glasgow in March for a concert at the SECC Hydro.
Who are you seeing? Megadeth perhaps?There used to be a handful of winter gardens In Glasgow's Parks. One in Springburn Park, ( gone) One in Tollcross Park, (Gone last time I visited) One in Queens Park( Glasshouse storm damaged on my last visit) and the People's Palace ( closed at present.) Most are over 100 years old and very expensive to maintain and heat so its only in prime well heeled districts they remain open as in The Botanic Gardens in the West End. Plenty to see around the SECC but depends on the spare time you have. Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, The Tall Ship Glenlee and nearby Riverside Museum (transport and old indoor street) and the Govan Stones across the Swing Bridge. All 30 mins walk away. I take it you are in a hotel as Glasgow might not be that safe after nightfall in that area. OK until the entertainment venues pack in and folk come home from work and shops around 6-7pm. Better than being in the four corners though in the city centre after nightfall.
Hi Bob - good guess! Megadeth it is! My hotel is more or less next to the Hydro I think and has covered walkways between it and the venue. Thanks for the list of things to visit in the area - I'm hoping Richard will come to Glasgow (although he isn't a Megadeth fan so isn't going to the concert).
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