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Second Symposium on Compositional Structures (SYCO 2)University of Strathclyde |
Things to see and do
There are plenty of things to see in Scotland if you have some spare time before or after the meeting.In Glasgow
Roughly in order of distance from the symposium venue:Murals. There are murals scattered all over Glasgow that are well worth seeing. The city council has put together a mural trail (PDF with map) for finding them.
Glasgow Cathedral. An 800 year old church, with beautiful stained glass windows, less than 10 mins walk away from the venue. Right next door is St. Mungo's museum of religious art and life and Provand's Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow (the cathedral is not a house, but a building).
The Necropolis. A large cemetery on a hill overlooking the East End of the city. Impressive views, impressive tombstones.
Tennent's Brewery. Tennant's is the most popular beer in Scotland, and its all produced in Glasgow. You can go on a tour, which of course finishes with a tasting session. For a more hipster experience, the Drygate Brewery next door (part-owned by Tennant's) makes a nice selection of craft beers, and also puts on brewery tours.
Glasgow Green. This is Glasgow's oldest public outdoor space, and the larger park closest the city centre. It contains the People's Palace, a kind of socialist museum, and the West Brewery, which is a German-style microbrewery. The river Clyde borders Glasgow Green, and following the riverbank makes for a nice run or walk.
Museums. All museums below are free, except for House for an Art Lover.
- GoMA: Gallery of Modern Art, in the city centre.
- Kelvingrove museum: the top art museum in the UK according to TripAdvisor. Also has some history and natural history, and is set in a nice park. Take the subway to Kelvinhall (or Kelvinbridge, and walk through the park).
- Riverside museum: An award-winning transport museum in an award-winning building. More interesting than it sounds. Take the train or subway to Partick.
- Glasgow Women's Library: A library, but also a museum about women's history, culture and achievements. It was shortlisted for the Art Fund UK museum of the year 2018. Take the train to Bridgeton.
- The Hunterian: the official museum of the University of Glasgow, containing scientific instruments and collections, including a two-headed sheep preserved in alcohol. Take the subway to Hillhead.
- House for an Art Lover: Showcasing the architecture and design of Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Take the subway to Ibrox.
Pollok Park. Probably the easiest way to see some Highland Cattle from Glasgow. Get the train from Central to Pollokshaws West.
Whisky distilleries. The following distilleries are more or less in Glasgow, and all offer tours.
- Auchentoshan: the "traditional" Glasgow distillery. Take the train from Queen St to Kilpatrick.
- The Clydeside Distillery: A brand new distillery on the river Clyde. As such, they won't have produced any whiskey of their own for another ten years, but they still offer tours with a tasting of other whiskies at the end. Take the train to Exhibition Centre.
- Glengoyne: situated on the West Highland Way, this feels more like a proper highland distillery. Take the number 10 bus towards Balfron from Buchanon Bus station.