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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 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.
Robert Burns is the national poet of Scotland. Every year, on the 25th of January, Scots all over the world celebrate his birth. Robert wrote one of the most famous songs in the world
Walter Scott was one of the most important novelists in the 19th century and played a significant part in creating modern Scotland
A spectacular building that was orginally a private house
One of ther most famous landmarks in Glasgow and Scotland. The Duke of Wellington has a very special hat.
A typical private house from the 18th century.
One of the most important commercial sites in the city in the 18th century, where tobacco and sugar were sold
Rab Ha' (Robert Hall) was a very famous Glaswegian who had an enormous appetite
The first concert venue in Glasgow and the market where fruit and vegetables were sold for nearly a century
An exciting arts centre.
Inside the Trongate 103, the Sharmanka Kinetic Theatre, has one of the most unusual shows in all of Glasgow
The oldest surviving music hall in the world, where Stan Laurel (of Laurel and Hardy fame) made his debut
An excellent vegan cafe
A spectacular arch at the wester edge of Glasgow Green
Glasgow's oldest public park, over 500 years old
One of the most beautiful churches in Glasgow, now an arts centre. Also, site of some spectacular events in the history of 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
One of the most celebrated restaurants in Glasgow
Another excellent restaurant.
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
One of the most important murals in Glasgow, celebrating the city's two patron saints, St Thenue and St Mungo
A series of murals celebrating the famous people who have studied at Glasgow University
The most celebrated mural in Glasgow, featuring the patron saint, St Mungo
A wonderful museum, designed to look like a Scottish castle, celebrating all the major religions in the world
The oldest building in Glasgow, dating back to the 12th century. On the site of St Mungo's original church from the 6th century
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).
