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Free booking and cancellationFree payment tour, no set price, booking and cancellation are free
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Accepts electronic paymentThis tour allows payment by electronic means or credit card
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I've lived in Glasgow for over 20 years. I was born in a town called Ayr, forty miles to the south of Glasgow, but for a long time, before I ever moved here, I was always visting to enjoy the culture and nightlife of this great city. When I finally moved here, it was to work in theatre. For a while I was an actor but then I became a director. Throughout that time, I got to know the history of Glasgow very well. In more recent years, I've been working in the heritage sector, writing books about the history of some of the districts of Glasgow, talking about Glasgow and encouraging people to explore and discover the history of the city. Working as a tour guide is great fun. I really enjoy introoducing people to the city and sharing some stories. When I'm not touring, I'm in the library, researching and discovering more stories to share.
Join me on a tour through the streets, alleyways, parks, and courtyards of Scotland’s biggest city.
Explore a little of the history of this ancient, and very modern city, from its origins in the 6th century, and marvel at the tremendous wealth, power and prosperity Glasgow enjoyed in the 19th century, when it became known, across the world, as The Second City of the Empire.
Hear about some memorable moments from Glasgow’s history, including a few scandals and darker secrets.
Follow in the footsteps of the merchants, traders and pioneers who transformed the city’s fortunes and reputation and the workers who enabled that transformation.
Marvel at the grandeur of the Georgian, Victorian and Edwardian architecture and sculpture that can still be found on so many streets.
Learn how Glasgow has continually reinvented itself in the 20th and 21st century, becoming one of the most cosmopolitan and creative cities in Europe.
Discover some of the top attractions in the city of Glasgow such as the spectacular City Chambers, and even some lesser-known sites such as world’s oldest, surviving music hall, the Britannia Panopticon. The tour finishes near the Ramshorn Church, close to George Square.
(Please note, this tour is in English)
Meet me outside Costa Coffee on the north side of George Square. I will be holding a green notebook
The main civic square in Glasgow. Also, this stop includes an introduction to the early history of Glasgow
This was the Headquarters of the Merchants of Glasgow, responsible for the transformation of Glasgow in the 18th century
Originally, this building was the General Post Office which opened in 1878. The opening of this building led to the transformation of George Square, from a private to a public space.
Walter Scott was one of the most important novelists in the 19th century and played a significant part in creating modern Scotland
A war memorial, to the members of the Armed Forces from Glasgow who served in ther two world wars
The most spectacular building in Glasgow, which opened in 1888. The amazing sculptures on the outside, all relate to the history of Glasgow.
One of several statues on the square. James Oswald was a politician but the statue has become part of an important tradition in Glasgow.
The ceremonial arches linking the original City Chambers with the 1912 extension
When this opened in 1903, it was the largest technical college in Europe
Part of the University of Strathclyde, featuring a series of murals which celebrate some of the people who have worked and studied here over the years
This mural features a boat known as the Landship
a young Saint Mungo and his mother Saint Enoch
Glasgow's patron saint, St Mungo. Probably the most famous mural in Glasgow
An original police box, now a coffee shop
A 19th century graveyeard, modelled on the Pere Lachaise in Paris
A museum which was built to resemble the medieval castle in Glasgow
The oldest building in Glasgow, a 12th century Cathedral
The original location of Glasgow University, founded in 1451, the second oldest university in Scotland, after St Andrew's
One of the most celebrated restaurants in Glasgow
The Mercat Cross is the ancient heart of Glasgow, where markets took place
Part of the original council Chambers, dating back to the 14th century
Originally, a church, now a theatre. Some notable features
Part of Glasgow's mural trail, which features two environmental activists from Brazil
One of the most notable murals in Glasgow
A mural depicting many of the features to be found in Glasgow's public parks.
A old church in the centre of Glasgow. Many rich people are buried here. Some of the graves are protected by iron cages, to prevent grave robbers stealing bodies
Free tours do not have a set price, instead, each person gives the guru at the end of the tour the amount that he or she considers appropriate (these usually range from €10 to $50 depending on satisfaction with the tour).