GLASGOW'S GEARING UP

The city is buzzing today.  Is it because it is approaching the Easter weekend and, indeed, the summer tourist season? Or is because the city is preparing to host the 2014 Commonwealth Games this July? The grass is being cut, shrubs planted along the expressway, shops and services putting on the spit and polish.

This statue in the Buchanan Street Bus Station is a meeting point for folk.  Today there seemed to be a stream of back-packers arriving, groups of foreign visitors clutching little booklets and ma, pa and all the wains heading off in all directions.

This fellow on Buchanan Street stands in mid-air.  He is painted bronze and is a 'robot' i.e. only moves briefly, stiffly when he sees an unsuspecting passer-by who could be startled by his sudden change of position.  (This happened to me much to the mirth of the gathered crowd.  I jumped a mile when the 'statue' moved - great hilarity all round!)

 

The cafes, bars and restaurants are gearing up with refurbishments finishing and signs getting put out on the street. Brown's Restaurant on the south side of George Square (near Queen Street train station in the city centre) is definitely worth visiting.

Scottish Ballet is now on for its spring season.  The pub across the road from (currently) the King's Theatre, does a roaring business; this is the sign to their doorway! They will be back in Theatre Royal once the refurbishment is complete.  I was in today to get tickets for Maggie and I for next Tuesday.

Mellis's cheese shop on Great Western Road is a favourite shop and wee Harriet thinks so too!

Tiles on the Hillhead Underground upper floor - so imaginative and such an improvement on its former interior finishing!

 Stain glass in a stairwell window in the EISIS building on Elmbank Street, home of Scottish Opera.

The same Let Glasgow Flourish motto as seen in display in the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in its 'How Glasgow Flourished 1714 - 1837' exhibition which opened today and runs until the end of the summer.

Mitchell Library entrance

Entrance to a building on St Vincent Street around the corner from Queen Street Station. That is Mairi in the purple top.