Collect at The Pineapple, near Airth, Falkirk at 0815. This is now a National Trust owned self-catering property but was originally built in 1761 as a garden retreat. It is a bizarre structure built in the shape of a pinepapple.

First stop is the nearby Falkirk Wheel. This was opened in 2002 to re-establish a link between the Forth & Clyde Canal and the Union Canal. Although a working boat lift it is also a stunning piece of functional architecture and well worth a visit. We arrive before the day’s official opening but, neverthless, are allowed access to the site for photos.

We drive on to Glasgow passing parts of the Antonine Wall.
Visit Roman Britain with catswhiskerstours

On arrival at Glasgow we aim for Glasgow Cathedral and the Necropolis. Parking proves difficult but we find a “berth” at the hospital car park.

The Cathedral is a Gothic edifice built on a site which can demonstrate religious significance since the 5th century. The earliest parts of the present building date from the late 12th century. The main construction had been completed by end of the 14th century. This is the only mainland cathedral in Scotland to have survived the aftermath of the Reformation without majot structural loss. Internal photo shoots were aided by bright sunlight streaming through the stained glass.

After internal and external photo shoots of the cathedral we walk acroos to the Necropolis, high on a hill overlooking Glasgow. This is a fascinating site full of memorials to the great and good of historic Glasgow. Some of the monuments are truly stunning and packed with family history. Excellent photo opps in the sunlight with Glasgow spread out in the distance.
Photograph Scotland with catswhiskerstours

On return to the car we walk past Provand’s Lordship on Cathedral Street which is the oldest surviving house in Glasgow dating from 1471. It was built as the manse for St.Nicholas Hospital.

We drive through Glasgow’s industrial past, first stopping at Ibrox Football Stadium for some photos.

IBROX is both British and Gaelic, and may mean the haunt of the badger (brock, Gaelic bruic, a badger). Another savant thinks that the name may have come from a rentaller, Broc – this name, and Brokas, both occurring in the rental book of the Diocesan Registers. In a charter dated 1580 the name is written Ibrokes.

On to the vibrant, heavy industrial Govan. We visit the famous Old Church which unfortunately is not open to view the famous collection of headstones.

After some photo shoots we move on, under the river Clyde to Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum where we avail of lunch in the Cafeteria. Main purpose of the visit is to photograph the stunning architecture of this impressive red sandstone building which was opened in 1901.

We move on to a very different part of town, the Gorbals. This suburb has a fascinating hsitory, being originally conceived as prestigious example of Regency era town planning but subsequently became tenemented and notorious for poverty and deprivation. In medieval times the Gorbals was a leper colony but after subsequent population growth became annexed to Glasgow in 1846.

We pass a couple of 1930s era cinemas (one being redundant) and then towards a landscape of derelict railway viaducts, waste ground and some early examples of 1970s housing blocks which seem to be in poor condition. Close by is one empty and derelict tenement building, possibly the last of its type remianing. We take photos of this and the nearby Regency era Caledonian Road Church

We then move on, past some interesting modern architecture to the Southern Necropolis.This is an eery and fascinating site dating back to the 1840s. Many of the monuments and gravestones have been vandalised in the past but the site is kept in good order with only a little graffiti and grass kept neatly mown. The various monuments reveal an intersting history of the local populace, albeit the ones who could afford gravestones!! Would make an intersting film location.
Visit real Glasgow with catswhiskerstours
After more photos we leave Glasgow and return to the Pineapple

An interesting day, exploring Glasgow’s industrial, religious and social history. All providing good photo opportunities aided by clement weather conditions.