Following The Current

Most days I cross the River Clyde by train.  The river itself seems so quiet as it passes through the city but I know it must have many stories to tell.  When trade began to increase with the Americas, the Clyde was too shallow for the ocean-going ships to reach Glasgow.  During the late 18th and 19th centuries, the river was reshaped and dredged, opening the door for a hugely successful shipbuilding industry.  This has since declined to just a few shipyards.  The river is now being rebuilt as an area of recreation with many attractions along its bank.  I highly recommend the Riverside Museum with its interesting architecture, collection of transport, and tall ship.

Here are a few images from my recent strolls along the river, starting off with the home of my favorite radio station at the moment.  It is just so refreshing to not have to listen to adverts every few minutes!

Bell's footbridge.

The Scottish Exhibition and Conference Center (SECC) in the forefront with another view of Bell's bridge.

The Hydro (on the left) will be the largest arena in Scotland with seating for 12,000.

City Union Railway bridge

My stroll along the River Clyde ended with a visit to Glasgow Green.  It is amazing how different it looks without 200+ pipe bands.  In 1997, I made my way to Glasgow Green to see the World Pipe Band Championships, stood for hours within the first few rows of the crowd listening to each band play their MSR set before walking across the grass to perform their Medley.  I was in awe of the performances and icing was listening (ok, ease-dropping) to two Scots critiquing each band.  With my head swimming with pipe medleys, I made my way back to the hostel late only to find out that I had forgotten to pay for my bed for the night.  I would not have had a place to sleep if it had not been for some thoughtful travelers I had met the night before who put up the money to keep the bed for me.

Within Glasgow Green, there is the People's Palace and Winter Gardens.  Yes, I headed to the gardens.  What can I say.  I love the wilds of nature but when I can't be out in the wild, I enjoy gardens.

View from inside the glasshouse to the south.

Quite a few miles towards the west of Glasgow, the Erskine bridge crosses the River Clyde and it has been the common route for me to head into the highlands.  I hope to cross it many times!  (Photo taken about 5 years ago)

If I had taken photos of all the bridges crossing the River Clyde just in the heart of Glasgow, you would still be scrolling.  Now I must get off to bed and bunker down.  It is a wee bit gusty tonight!