West Scotland combines the cultural buzz of Glasgow with the outstanding views and activities on offer in the southern Highlands. Centuries of centralised trade along the River Clyde gave Glasgow its robust identity, and a great many reasons to visit.
Business and the Merchant City
Glasgow’s numerous satellite business parks are all within easy reach of the airport, while the SECC – Scotland’s largest conference and exhibition centre – is just off the M8 close to the Clyde’s north bank.
In east Glasgow, the Merchant City region caters to the upmarket crowd. The original epicentre of the Glasgow industrial boom, here you’ll find high-end shops and restaurants in which to while away your leisure time. The West End of Glasgow has a more laidback feel, and is where you’ll come across vintage shops and cafes. In the West End you’ll also find the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, whose enterprising use of local Locharbriggs stone houses some of the finest collections of artwork in the whole of the UK.
The city’s two football teams are among the very best and most passionately supported in the country; Celtic and Rangers have huge fanbases all over Scotland, which can be relied upon to fill the respective stadiums of Celtic Park and Ibrox for every home game.
Highlands highlights
If you’re flying in, you can’t help but be tempted to sample the rural delights of the Scottish Highlands, just a short drive away on the A82. With its many mountain ranges, majestic lochs and beautiful woodlands, the Highlands is a truly inspirational region. The landscape is dominated by mountains and hills, along with the legendary lochs. Loch Lomond is Scotland’s biggest inland body of water, and is found in the Trossachs National Park – a beautiful rural getaway with mountains and hills suitable for hiking and climbing.
Drop in on Nessie
Loch Ness is another highlight of the A82 from Glasgow to Inverness, best known as the home of the mythical Loch Ness Monster. Along the shores are tourist-friendly villages offering boat rides, and the stunning Urquhart Castle is located on its banks - its fascinating history is sure to captivate exploring visitors.
A trip to Glasgow and West Scotland is filled with panoramic potential and a wide array of cultural and sporting pursuits. Whether you’re in the area with friends or business associates, hiring a car from Glasgow Airport puts it all at your fingertips.