Destination Spotlight: Glasgow

Key Information

Glasgow is the city of culture for Scotland

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland with a population of 1.2 million

Glasgow’s underground railway system (Glasgow Subway) is the third-oldest underground metro system in the world

Glasgow is located on the banks of the River Clyde, about 50 miles from Edinburgh

Glasgow, the largest city in Scotland, once a declining shipbuilding port city on the River Clyde, has been in rapid ascent since the late 20th century. Yes, Edinburgh may be Scotland’s capital, but Glasgow is a European Capital of Culture. Indeed, today the city is widely celebrated as a national cultural hub, where cutting-edge productions of all musical styles - it’s a UNESCO City of Music - buzz alongside the Scottish Opera, National Theatre of Scotland and Scottish Ballet, not to mention over 20 free museums and art galleries.

Glasgow city centre is strewn with stunning Victorian structures, accompanied by the splendid masterpieces of legendary architect and artist Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Among this inspiring collection of buildings are the River Clyde, beautiful parks, world-class cultural attractions and one of the UK’s finest city centre shopping opportunities with a wide variety of restaurants and bars.

Travel a short distance beyond the confines of the city, and you’ll find yourself in beautiful green countryside, rich with wildlife and bursting with opportunities for rural pursuits and fantastic days out. There’s a wealth of fascinating history to discover around Glasgow and no less than two UNESCO World Heritage Sites to explore along the path of the River Clyde.

Key Information

Glasgow is the city of culture for Scotland

Glasgow is the largest city in Scotland with a population of 1.2 million

Glasgow’s underground railway system (Glasgow Subway) is the third-oldest underground metro system in the world

Glasgow is located on the banks of the River Clyde, about 50 miles from Edinburgh

Travel Information

Airports: Glasgow Airport

Trains: Glasgow Central Station

Buses: Buchanan Bus Station

Undergound: Glasgow Subway (Strathclyde Partnership for Transport)

Points of Interest

Conferences & Meetings in Glasgow

Glasgow’s excellence as a conference, meetings and events destination is perhaps encapsulated by its status as the UK’s first European Capital of Culture, the massive success of Glasgow 2014 - the 20th Commonwealth Games - and the city’s ongoing investment in its convention and conferencing capability, demonstrating a long-term commitment to corporate events. Exciting new developments in Glasgow continue, each adding another layer of dynamism to a city already considered one of the UK’s most happening places.

The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Centre (SECC), is Glasgow’s flagship venue and a modern icon. SECC is the UK's largest integrated conference and exhibition venue, with five exhibition halls, a 12,000-seat National Arena and a suite of meeting rooms.

Beyond SECC the Clyde Waterfront offers numerous attractions for business and leisure and the renovation of the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum made it one of Glasgow’s finest attractions - perfect for receptions and banquets. In addition, the City Halls have been optimised for presentations and seminars - able to accommodate more than 900.

Getting to and from Glasgow is simple. The city is served by two railway stations with direct connections to London, Manchester and Birmingham. It also has two international airports - Glasgow Airport is the closest to the centre and has flights to more than 100 worldwide destinations.