My impressions of Glasgow...a vibrant city of culture.

A young musician strumming her guitar with a wonderful tune

It was my second visit to Glasgow. This time I had gone to collect my son who was arriving from Cape Town, South Africa. Before going to the airport, I had some time and spent 3 hours shooting in the city centre in and around Buchanan Street.

Glasgow's Victorian and art nouveau architecture gave away its rich legacy of the city's 18th–20th-century prosperity from trade and shipbuilding along river Clyde. 

Glasgow is a national cultural hub and home to Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as numerous museums and a thriving music scene.

Shoppers were out and about

 Diversity was visible in the streets adding vibrancy to the city. Many shoppers were out on a Thursday afternoon. City centre's cafes were full.
From my personal experience, some of the best Indian restaurants are found in Glasgow. Some people call Glasgow 'the curry centre of Scotland'

 I met a very special group 'Pensioners for independence'. I had an interesting conversation with Mary McCabe, the co-ordinator and her colleagues. our politics coincided. I have been a supporter of SNP since I moved to Isle of Skye, Highlands, three years ago. I support their aim for gaining independence and be part of EU. I know that Scottish people were taken for granted by the labour Party for a long time. More on this perhaps in a future blog.

A homeless man...with his companion

Like any city, Glasgow, I suppose, has its issues. Homelessness is one of them. I'm not an expert on this. I suppose there are organisations in Glasgow who help homeless people and do their best. It is sad though to see homeless people anywhere in the UK. We are not poor! Some of our polices are poor! 

Many International names like this one seen in the city centre

Tartan design...so appropriate!

I met these two musicians who were playing in Buchanan street. I enjoyed their music. Nice guys.

A flutist..displaying his skill. He was excellent!

A group of students. They were doing a school Geography project.

A band from India...playing Bollywood music!

The above were just the highlights.

I had an enjoyable time in Glasgow!

Finally, my favourite quotes about Glasgow...

Glasgow is less polite than Edinburgh but that's a good thing - they keep it real.

- Nik Kershaw

My Dad taught me that the English upper class are sent to school to be taught to be confident, whereas in Glasgow you're born confident. I've always thought that pretty much summed me up. Born confident.

- Rankin

Instagram: @harish.davda
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Two burst tyres and a day tour of Skye

We offer self catering accommodation in Treaslane, Isle of Skye, 9 miles from Portree. From time to time, if requested, we offer a one-day tour of Skye to our guests. I become a driver of our 4x4 Toyota, and a guide, and wear a special hat!  Yesterday, I took our guests on a day tour of Skye.

A view from Quiraing

So, what about burst tyres (tires for those from the US)? Our delightful guests, Bill and Lyla (from the US), and Volker and Evelyn (from Germany) managed to burst two tyres (!) on their way to Skye. This was not because of their lack of driving skills but because of road conditions on Highlands, and of course, for them, they they were driving on the wrong side of the road: on the left. The first a tyre burst, they were in Inverness and managed to find Quick Fit and replaced the tyre. The second time, I believe they were not far from Skye and managed to fit a temporary tyre and got to our place in the evening. They asked for us help. Next morning, a quick call to Ewen Macrae West End Garage Ltd, Portree (highly recommended!) did the trick. We took their hired car to this garage and after the day's tour we collected the car with a new tire/tyre! The guests had a sigh of relief!

Our day tour, on a day with rain and some sunshine, consisted of:

- Portree Square and the harbour
- Old Man of Storr
- Kilt Rock water Falls
- Staffin Bay
- Quiraing
- Uig Village Centre
- Uig Hotel for lunch (excellent lunch, thank you Billy!)...Highly recommended!
- Dunvegan Castle
- Back to Portree (for the guests to collect their car)

Here are some of the photos: 

Kilt Rock Water Falls
A sea cliff in north east Trotternish. It resembles a kilt, with vertical columns to form the pleats and intruded sills of dolerite rock forming the pattern.

View from Kilt Rock

Our guests who went away as friends. They are, from the left...Volker,
Evelyn, Lyla and Bill.

A view, near Uig

Near Uig

A view from Uig Hotel

A view from Uig Hotel
Overlooking Uig Tower. In the past it was used to collect rent from
tenants who were residents on the land.

Uig Hotel, highly recommended for lunch, dinner and accommodation.
Meet Billy, a friendly Owner/Manager.


Next stop: Dunvegan Castle

If you are with a family, buy a family ticket. it is cheaper!

My efficient Toyota 4x4 and a bit of pubicity.

MacLeod Cafe in the car park of the castle. ideal for refreshments

and a bite to eat 

A boat trip from the castle if you have time

Did you know?

- The descendants of MacLeod clan still live in Dunvegan castle from time to time. The head of MacLeod clan, Hugh MacLeod, speaks with a perfect English public school accent.

- "Along with Edinburgh and Loch Ness, Skye is one of Scotland’s top-three tourist destinations." - Lonley Planet Guide 

Harish Davda - harish.davda@hotmail.co.uk