Hi everyone! <BR> <BR>I am flying into Glasgow at the end of March, (on a Wednesday morning and leaving on Saturday morning.) <BR> <BR>I'd like suggestions on what to do in Glasgow, as well as a managable day trip into the highlands. I am very unfamiliar with the area, but being of Scottish descent am very interested in both the city and the country. <BR> <BR>Looking for some non-touristy things to do/see, as well as see a distilliery while I am there. <BR> <BR>Thanks very much!!

As you requested Duncan I've sent you an email, but having read this the thing missing in the email is distillery. The only one on the patch is Glengoyne (bogging whisky, pah!)<BR><BR>unless you foray further (which I recommended against)<BR><BR>I will also send you the general day trips doc. which included Edradour distillery in Pitlochry. That's worth doing.

I was in Glasgow (3 days) last fall and was highly impressed with both city (masses to see) and people (very helpful and friendly). It sounds touristy but the hop-on/hop-off bus that runs from George Square is a great way to see the city and learn a little about the place. My favorites were Glasgow University (paricularly Hungtington Museum) and Cathedral/Necropolis, but there's a multitude of other things too. It's worth nipping into the foyer of town hall for 5 minutes just to see mosaics - pretty amazing. In 3 days I didn't even scratch the surface of what Glasgow has to offer. Needless to say there were some great pubs and the ArtHouse fish restaurant was excellent for cheap eats (at bar) or more pricey full restaurant service.

An easy daytrip is to Oban, a West coast fising/ferry port in the Highlands. <BR>Slowest way is the train from Queen Street (NOT Glasgow Central) - takes 3 hours though Oban less than 100 miles from Glasgow, beautiful journey. <BR>If going by car (&lt; 2 hours) take a circular route, return via kilmartin, prehistoric sites (near Cairnbaan). <BR>Trains leave Glasgow @ 8:12 & 14:42. <BR>Return at 18:12. <BR>There are plenty of daytours by bus, see local press. <BR>Plenty to do in the city, not overrun by tourists.City centre (cathedral & city chambers) are linked to the West End (Glagow Uni, Kelvingrove park) by the worlds oldest underground system.(fast & safe) <BR>Plenty of bars, cafes, restaurants - trad/folk bars try the Scotia or the Clutha Vaults both Stockwell street city centre (Clutha opens late on Friday, music), West end : Tennants in Byres Road, Lismore in Dumbarton road. <BR>Drum & monkey bar (renfield street, city centre), little more upmarket, bistro in the back has excellent food in a pretty room at 12gbp for 2 courses. <BR>Most galleries/ museums are free eg Museum of Modern Art in city centre just off Queen st, (south of George Sq), Burrell collection (southside - bus/train/taxi-also on site is Pollock House, big old manor house, how the other half lived..) <BR>Try to talk to some people.(if you can understand them!) <BR> <BR>

14:42 should be 12:42

I agree with Michelle. The hop on/hop off bus tour was very good. It's a great way to see the city and to get familiar with the city. <BR>Enjoy.

Check out the Corinthian Bar & Restaurant, right off George Square on Ingram Street - it used to be the old courthouse, looks fantastic, has a nightclub downstairs in the old holding cells and isn't extortionate. They have a website at www.corinthian.uk.com <BR> <BR>If you haven't already found accommodation, Langs Hotel is excellent - very minimalist, chic and right in the centre of town. And only about £65 per night. <BR> <BR>Have fun!