Events and activites

Glasgow and surrounding area has a fantastic eighteenth- and nineteenth-century heritage and there is plenty that the city has to offer delegates with an interest in Scottish cultural and literary history. During the conference delegates will have the option to go on an excursion to the Robert Burns National Heritage Park at Alloway. The centre is opening a new museum in November 2010, and the cottage where Burns was born will be open to visitors. The conference drinks reception will be held at Glasgow's City Chambers in St. George's Square on Saturday 30 July. The building was designed by City Architect John Carrick and initially housed the Glasgow Town Council when it opened in 1888.

Robert Burns National Heritage Park at Alloway

Glasgow City Chambers

We have put together a list of possible activities that Glasgow has to offer, together with a sample of some of the bars and restaurants near the conference venue (all details correct for summer 2010). Thank you to Laura Eastlake for compiling this information.

Things to See and Do in Glasgow

  • Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Following a three-year refurbishment programme, Kelvingrove is now Scotland’s number one tourist attraction and is conveniently located opposite Glasgow University. As well as stunning Victorian architecture, highlights include works by Charles Rennie Macintosh, Monet, Whistler and Dali’s “Christ of St. John of the Cross”.  Entry Free.

  • Glasgow People's Palace and Winter Gardens. Glasgow's social history museum tells the story of the people of Glasgow from 1750 to the end of the twentieth century.  

  • Hunterian Museum. Scotland’s oldest public museum houses permanent displays on the lives and works of Lord Kelvin and Dr. William Hunter as well as collections of ancient Egyptian and Roman artefacts, medical instruments and the Bryce skulls. Access through Glasgow University main building. Entry Free. 

  • Hunterian Art Gallery. The gallery has a fine Whistler collection and, in September, will be housing a number of exhibitions including ‘ James Paterson: Works from the Artist's Studio ’ and ‘ Aspects of Scottish Art 1860 - 1910 ’. The Macintosh house is also attached to the gallery and features some fine examples of the artist’s architecture and design. Entry to gallery free. Charge for Macintosh house. 

  • Botanic Gardens. Created in 1817, the highlight of the gardens is the stunning 19th Century wrought-iron-framed glasshouse, the Kibble Palace. Entry Free.

  • Gallery of Modern Art. The GOMA  features work from local and international contemporary artists. It is located in the heart of the city centre, only a short bus, taxi or underground ride away from the university. Entry Free

  • Glasgow Necropolis. Glasgow's Victorian necropolis was opened as an interdenominational burial ground in 1832 and is a fine example of the Victorian 'garden cemetery' style.

    Restaurants in the West End:

    Prices indicated are £ lunch / £ dinner

     Oran Mor. (Top of Byres Road) This converted church is one of Glasgow’s best-loved dining/music/theatre venues. The Brasserie serves a selection of traditional fare and don’t leave without taking a dram at the famous whisky bar! £6/£23.

       Mother India . (28 Westminster Terrace) Imaginative, colourful Indian cooking using fresh ingredients. You’re welcome to bring your own wine for only £1.95 corkage and, if you prefer a take-away meal, Mother India also owns the Wee Curry Shop on Ashton Lane. £17/£18.50.

       Stravaigin (28 Gibson Street)and Stravaigin 2 (8 Ruthven Lane) Pub food of the very best kind - great if you want to try authentic Scottish haggis. Produce is locally sourced and the atmosphere is cosy and welcoming. £11/£15.

     The Loft (Ashton Lane) Set in a converted cinema, the Loft has adopted a movie theme in its decor. Offering excellent bar food through the day, there is also a £7 lunch menu and frequent 2-for-1 specials. £7/£18.

     Tchai-Ovna House of Tea (Otago Lane) Popular with students and backpackers, this cafe is crammed with mismatched furniture and funky knick-knacks. The cafe serves food and snacks from around the world including more than 80 varieties of tea. £8/£8.

     Sofia’s (337 Byres Road) Located conveniently close to the university, Sofia’s offers wholesome, unpretentious Italian food and great value for money. £6.95/£12.