Scotland’s so-called ‘Second City’ takes center stage in 2025 as it celebrates its 850th birthday. If you’ve only been to Edinburgh, it’s time to put Glasgow on the top of your Scottish travel list and discover its history and the thriving, vivid, cultural hub of modern Scotland on the River Clyde that’s even a UNESCO City of Music.
Far bigger than Edinburgh, Glasgow’s size exploded during the Industrial Revolution, which led to its reputation being compared negatively to Edinburgh’s perennial medieval and almost fairytale charms.
But Glasgow has thousand-year-old origins, too.
Glasgow's name comes from the Scottish Gaelic ‘Glaschu’, meaning ‘dear green hollow,’ reflecting its early pastoral setting along the River Clyde. The city traces its roots to the 6th century when its patron, St. Mungo—also called St. Kentigern—established a church. Glasgow’s Gothic cathedral was built in his honor beginning in the 12th century and remains one of the few Scottish medieval cathedrals still standing.
2025’s anniversary celebrations mark a date in the 12th century: 1175 when the town of Glasgow was given a charter formalizing its growing commercial status as a ‘burgh.’
In the early medieval period, the Glasgow region was part of the Celtic Kingdom of Strathclyde or the ‘valley of the River Clyde.’
You can’t overstate the importance of the River Clyde to Glasgow’s origins, history and journey. The River Clyde gave Glasgow its access to the sea – and set up Glasgow as a shipbuilding centre and transportation conduit during the 18th and 19th century’s Industrial Revolution, when Glasgow became Scotland’s booming industrial center and one of the biggest production hubs in the UK.
Glasgow at 850
Today, Glasgow has embraced the 21st century, shifting from an industrial powerhouse to a science, technology and educational hub and city for the future.
Modern Glasgow is a beacon of landmark contemporary architecture as a counterpoint to its Gothic Glasgow Cathedral and elegant Victorian neighborhoods – and to historic Edinburgh!
A revitalized, re-greened Glaswegian riverfront is home to the Clyde Auditorium, affectionately known as ‘The Armadillo,’ the Riverside Museum, and The Clyde Arc. Glasgow’s first new bridge in nearly half a century physically and symbolically spans the River Clyde at the heart of Glasgow, with its innovative curved design crossing the river at an angle, earning it the nickname ‘The Squinty Bridge.’
Glasgow is also known now for its vibrant food scene, with local takes on some Scottish favorites. Indulge in a comforting bowl of Cullen Skink, enjoy a hearty, meaty Glasgow Pie, or sip on a cold Irn-Bru (not a beer, and definitely not whisky! But ‘Scotland’s other national drink.’ It’s a metallic sort of orange soda that becomes strangely addictive once you try it). There's plenty of food and drink unique to the city that begs visitors to pause for some street food or a sit-down in a local pub or restaurant.
Those are also the places where you’ll get to meet real Glaswegians. Renowned for their warmth, sociability and friendliness (as well as their music appreciation!) the people of Glasgow get out in their city, with an incomparable living culture – especially music! – as a UNESCO City of Music with a packed calendar of festivals and venues around every corner.
That’s what you’ll experience during Glasgow 850, a year-long program of celebrations of every aspect of history, life, music and culture in Glasgow.
Needless to say, this is a special year to visit Glasgow, but even if you don’t make it for Glasgow 850, make this first-rate city a must-visit stop on your next trip to Scotland.
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By: Lynn Elmhirst, travel journalist.
Images: Getty
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