Research in Politics & International Relations

Social programme

City attractions

• Glasgow City Chambers, the focal point of George Square, is an impressive symbol of Glasgow’s political strength and historical wealth. Completed in 1888, the City Chambers has for over a hundred years been the headquarters of successive councils serving the City of Glasgow.
• Glasgow Cathedral is built on the site where St Kentigern, or Mungo, the first bishop within the ancient British kingdom of Strathclyde, was thought to have been buried in AD 612. The present cathedral was built during the 13th to 15th centuries. It is the only medieval cathedral on the Scottish mainland to have survived the 1560 Reformation virtually complete.
• The Merchant City showcases some of the rich history of the city alongside a vibrant selection of restaurants, bars, shops and nightlife.
• Glasgow Science Centre is one of Scotland’s must-see visitor attractions - presenting concepts of science and technology in unique and inspiring ways.
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum is a dynamic art gallery and museum, in a magical building, set in the greatest of Glasgow’s Victorian parks. It hosts important collections of Italian and Dutch Old Maters, French Impressionists and Post-Impressionists and of Arms and Armour.
• The University of Glasgow is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world. Founded in 1451, the University moved to its current location in the West End in 1870. Experience the neo-gothic Gilbert Scott Building and visit the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery on campus.
• Glasgow Botanic Gardens, located in the West End of city and managed by Glasgow City Council is arguably the finest garden in Glasgow. The gardens are dominated by the recently restored Kibble Palace, a magnificent glasshouse designed by John Kibble and housing the national collection of tree ferns.
• Glasgow Film Theatre (GFT) offers something different from standard cinemas, exploring the classics of world cinema and contemporary art house films.
• The Mitchell Library is one of Europe’s largest public libraries, with over one million items. Moreover, the library’s distinctive architecture makes it one of the city’s main landmarks and a top visitor location.
• The Necropolis, Glasgow's Victorian City of the Dead, is modelled on Père-Lachaise in Paris, with monuments designed by Glasgow’s leading architects. Guide maps are available setting out the memorials and tombs of some of Glasgow's most eminent citizens.

Museums

• Glasgow’s iconic new Riverside Museum, a landmark building on the banks of the River Clyde and a fitting home for the city’s world class transport collection
• Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum, Scotland’s most popular free visitor attraction
• Gallery of Modern Art, the most visited modern art gallery in Scotland
• The Burrell Collection located in the woodland setting of Pollok Country Park, this award winning building comprises over 8000 objects
• The People’s Palace and Winter Gardens, set in historic Glasgow Green, tells the story of the people and city of Glasgow from 1750 to the end of the 20th century
• Scottish Football Museum/Hampden Park Stadium Tour: the Museum boasts over 2,500 display items, making it home to the one of the world’s most impressive national football-related collections. There are also four stadium tours per day
• Scotland Street School Museum: designed by renowned Scottish architect, Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Scotland Street School remained open until 1979 and has subsequently been turned into a museum dedicated to the history of education in Scotland. A must for Mackintosh fans and architectural and design enthusiasts generally.

Glasgow and Mackintosh

‌Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the Glasgow-born architect, designer and artist, is celebrated around the world as one of the most creative figures of the early 20th century. A pioneer of Art Nouveau, he has left a legacy of his work throughout the city including Glasgow School of Art, considered by many to be his architectural masterpiece. For only £16 the one-day Mackintosh Trail Ticket (see www.peoplemakeglasgow.com) allows visitors unlimited travel on SPT Subway, First Bus services and includes entry to all participating Mackintosh attractions:

• Glasgow School of Art
• House for an Art Lover
• The Lighthouse
• Mackintosh House
• The Mackintosh Church at Queen’s Cross
• Martyrs’ School
• Scotland Street School Museum
• The Willow Tea Rooms
• The Hill House

‌Shopping and eating out

Glasgow is ranked as one of the UK’s least expensive cities, and better value than many of its European counterparts.

• The Style Mile: The Style Mile refers to the square mile in the very centre of Glasgow which houses the most extraordinary concentration of shops - from unique designer stores to flagship stores for British and international retailers.
• Buchanan Street: Bookended by two large shopping malls - Buchanan Galleries at the north end, and St Enoch Centre at the south - the pedestrian boulevard of Buchanan Street has been voted one of the world’s top retail destinations.
• Princes Square: Princes Square is one of Scotland’s leading speciality shopping centres, with an unrivalled mix of boutiques covering fashion, lifestyle, beauty, gifts, art and jewellery.

Come to the evening, delegates can enrich their visit by experiencing a taste of Scotland or enjoying world class international cuisine in the many bistros, restaurants, and brasseries on offer across the city centre, west end or merchant city. From award winning seafood restaurants to the best curry houses in the UK, dining in Glasgow is relaxed, affordable and always enjoyable.

Scottish experiences

• Golf: Scotland has more than 600 golf courses, including renowned championship courses such as Loch Lomond, Turnberry and Gleneagles
• Whisky: Sample the “water of life” and take a tour of a whisky distillery. Auchentoshan and Glengoyne are both within easy reach of the city.
• Hillwalking: Walking is one of the best ways to experience Scotland’s most beautiful locations. There are lots of options to choose from whichever type of walking you prefer - gentle country strolls, coastal walks, long distance treks or mountain hiking.
• Piping: Learn the history of the bagpipes or even try for yourself with a piping lesson at The National Piping Centre in Glasgow.
• Ceilidh dancing: Another enjoyable Scottish tradition is ceilidh dancing. Ceilidhs often form part of a conference social programme, or you can join in the fun at one of the city’s ceilidh venues, such as the Friday Ceilidh at Sloans - Glasgow’s oldest bar & restaurant.
• Haggis tasting: Sample this Scottish favourite at one of the city’s many restaurants or for a unique experience find out more about the Haggis Pakora Masterclass.