I honestly think this is one of the best palaces/ castles to visit. It sits on a hill overlooking…read morethe loch. The interior is well preserved and astonishing. The birth place of Mary Queen of Scots, makes you feel like you're instantly in that world. There is also an incredible church/chapel on the grounds that is stunning (make sure you check the opening times).

It's just one of many royal palaces in Scotland, only this one was used as a nursery. It just…read morehappens to be where Mary, Queen of Scots was born on 8 Dec 1542. There's a statue of her in the park in front of the palace. It's a very peaceful place to be near a loch of the same name. Linlithgow is said to translate to "lake in the damp (or moist) hallow." Well, it totally makes sense due to the rainy climate. There was a public warning notice about high concentrations of blue-green algae in the lake. So, don't let your pets swim in it. Otherwise, it's nice to get a view of it when walking along the trails. We were there early in the morning for a little walk around the outside of the palace. The entrance gate in particular was in a prison scene from the Outlander TV Series. The castle looks whole from the outside, but in actuality it's missing a roof. There is an £11 admission fee to go inside as of Nov 2025. There's also a free audio guide that you can download from their website. It's very well-done in the way of showing and describing what it once looked like back in the 16th century while giving its history. Another thing to note is that it's free to visit St. Michael's Parish Church where Mary, Queen of Scots was baptized. One could easily spend an hour or so here just wandering around Linlithgow Peel. It was too short of a visit for us, but well worth a stop just to see the exterior and learn about the history here.

Whiteinch library is a historical place. Not only is it a very old building, but inside there are…read morea few very interesting artefacts celebrating Glasgow's past, with many photographs of local streets and buildings from the early 1900s to the '60s. There is also a display case about the Boy's Brigade, with old medals, photographs and clothing from back in the day. Although an old building, Whiteinch Library is quite modern inside. As well as tables and chairs in a quiet room ideal for studying students, there are a few computers with free internet access. The fact that you don't have to book these in advance and can just jump on any time makes is great - unlike Partick Library where you have to book. With only a few computers you'll be lucky to find one spare though. There is a large, separate children's room, as well as the main room, which has a great selection of fiction and non-fiction books. There are also DVDs and CDs that can be rented out. Ironically, even though one always expects a library to have a strict rule of keeping quiet, the librarians at the desk here were happily broadcasting their summer holiday plans to the entire room. As my old technical teacher used to say: "Cut the chat!".

Ah the memories! I was often in here as a mini human with my gran and it was always a treat…read more It's in a lovely historic building yet is modern and well equipped inside. There are a large selection of books, DVDs, videos, CDs, tapes and magazines. All easily accessible, well organised and extremely tempting. As Gordon has highlighted there are also computer and Internet services which are super handy. Surprisingly, this place is usually relatively quiet which means quick, service and your pick of the place. Ideal for finding a cosy corner to get some work done in peace and quiet. Just as long as the librarians aren't discussing their weekend or holidays...

A big park. Alot going on in there. We'll worth a visit and botanical Gardens too and kelvingrive…read morePark.

Possibly my favourite Glasgow park and not only because it's across the road from my house…read more I have fond memories of coming to visit my Grandmother and Grandfather as a wee boy. They would take me to the park on my visits from Helensburgh. The boating pond is still full of Swans but alas time has been called on the boats themselves no more will you hear the cry come in number six your time is done. The Oswald clock has been newly restored and looks better than ever. Let's hope they remember to wind it up every day. To the north of the flower beds the infamous "still game" bench can be found with a spectacular vista. Let's not forget the overgrown garden next to Fossil Grove which in itself is a wonder of the world which remains one of Glasgow's best kept secrets.

So, I was having a think last week that I wanted to review something epic for my 300th review - the…read morePrinces Square Peacock certainly ticks that box. The Princes Square building has been a fixture of Buchanan St since the 1840's. By the mid 1980's it was due for a refurb - and the Peacock was borne from this. The main Peacock is located atop the building, and his tail feathers drape all down the front of it. It's structure is a mix of iron and steel - and was all hand cast. This is one of my absolute favourite art installations in Glasgow - it strikes that difficult balance of being imposing, yet graceful at the same time. As soon as the nights start drawing in, the Peacock (and his feathers) are lit up and he truly comes into his own. But when the Christmas season hits, he's wrapped in twinkly lights and basically looks like a gigantic Phoenix getting ready to take off. You should swing past him on your way to see the Argyle Street Reindeer :) And yes, I do have a name for him too ;)

This is a not bad library based in Chapelhall in the outskirts of Airdrie. It is not as good as the…read moremain library in Airdrie Town Centre but it still has a good selection of books and other services. It is open every day except Sunday although it is only a half day on a Saturday and Wednesday. One of the good things about it is that it is an Open Learning centre so you have use of a fax and photo copy machine as well as daily papers etc. Really useful in helping you job hunt or for study purposes. Staff are all very nice and helpful if you are looking for something in particular and the library is well laid out and maintained.

This is one of those things where you're like, "Eh, it's just a garden, how nice can it be." Well,…read moreI'm here to tell you--it can be spectacular. I bought National Trust memberships for myself and my mom while she's here visiting, and I've found the properties to be lovingly kept by passionate and eager staff. If it's National Trust, it's worth a visit, however small potatoes it might initially appear. This is a place curated and maintained with real love...the lawn outside the old estate house is manicured to perfection, each blade of grass clipped to be nearly supernatural in its even- and neatness. Then when you get into the wall every shrub, tree, flower and leaf seems to have been arranged with a sense of how it will be most pleasing to the eye from every direction. There are several thoughtfully placed benches should you desire a contemplative moment, and every plant is clearly labelled. The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and there is a small cafe and gift shop to finish off the visit. What is amazing is that this is so close to the city but it feels like it's deep in the countryside. Definitely well worth a visit if your just trying to take advantage of a sunny day or show off something unique to a visitor of our fine city.

This is indeed, one of Glasgow's best kept secrets - or was to my knowledge until about six weeks…read moreago. It, just so happened that the mother-in-law was coming to Glasgow for a weekend stay on her way to London. In her determination not just to stay in the West End and visit the boy's favourite pub - Curlers - she did some researching of her own. Alas, the three of us trundled along to Greenbank Garden before heading to mine for a home-cooked dinner. As unusual a situation as this was, being a cultural trip and all, it was extremely pleasant. Despite the time of year, the gardens were well looked after, presented and provided a nice change from Curlers. I also really enjoyed the chance to explore another The National Trust for Scotland adventure, which given my rather indirect degree is something that I have been increasingly open to in recent months.

The Saltire Centre is a modern and stylish library located on the Glasgow Caledonian University…read morecampus, near Buchanan Bus Station. It is also a public library, though if you do not have a student card you cannot take the books out of the library itself. Given the student population, there is not as many books as you might expect. It does have some you wont find elsewhere, including older ones and a good variety of academic journals. It has a speedy free wifi connection and a good cafe on level 0, with regular events ongoing in the building. It is also open 24 hours, seasonally. A great open plan environment that stimulates the senses and is always bustling with life. A great place to work, study and on occasion, play. When it is time to get down to some work, there are quiet floors that generate a more library-like feel. It is ALSO ideal if you are bursting for the toilet at Buchanan Bus Station and dont want to give them a billion pounds or whatever it is now to use their toilets. Power to the people.

If you have been a student at Caledonian in the last 5 years you will realise that the old library…read moreand the new library have no comparison to one another. The Saltire Centre, otherwise known as the new library is a wide expanse of computers and space, with books scattered throughout. The Saltire works so well in cold wintery Scotland because it joins most of the academic buildings, four in total can be navigated through this fine construction. I have heard a little on the architecture and the effect I think is achieved as a lively and yet calming environment to work individually and as a group. This is something that most universities do not have, instead it is silence as the traditional library is known. Well, I would say the Saltire with rather lax rules can be a bit too noisey and probably doesn't have enough computers for the student number. The cafe sells bananas for 25p though and scones with raisins which are often nice.

Central Library gives you a warm nostalgic sort of feeling. The interior hasn't really been updated…read moresince as far back as I remember, except the cassettes were replaced by CDs years back. Oh and they have computers and everything now too :P The book selection is extensive and caters well to the town. Some sections could be doing with an upgrade though, particularly IT and business, sports and English literature (good selection but old copies). Staff are generally friendly (again helps when a mate works there). They run Saturday book bug every fortnight for babies-young kids for free and have various other workshops for folks of all ages. Best times to avoid are lunch times and immediately after 5pm during school term time. Pupils can get quite noisy and staff aren't as strict as they should be. E-books are also available now to rent online from the South Lanarkshire Leisure website as the library tries to keep up. Every town needs its library and folks' support.