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Glasgow
Home - About the UK - Capital Cities - Edinburgh - Visiting Edinburgh - Views of Surrounding Area - Here
Pub scene in Saucihehall Street near the Italian centre, image © www.britainonview.com

The People
Despite their reputation for being a tough bunch from a 'mean city', Glaswegians are actually a notably friendly bunch. Famous for their down-to-earth sense of humour and their endless ability to talk, Glaswegians are a proud people with a strong socialist history.

Known as 'the patter', the Glasgow dialect is very distinctive and has produced unique words such as 'skoosh' - any fizzy soft drink - and 'bampot' – fool.

Referred to by their fellow Scots as 'weegies', 'keelies' or 'soap dodgers' (a friendly insult), the Glaswegians are also noted for their sectarian culture. As part of 'the people's Glesga', you are either a 'billy' or a 'dan' (a protestant or a catholic). The sectarianism, although rarely violent, spills over into all aspects of Glasgow life, from football teams – Rangers or Celtic – to local schools.

Facts and Figures

Famous Glasgow Facts
View to cathedral, Stathclyde, Glasgow, image © www.britainonview.com

I Belong to Glasgow
Also known for their fun loving nature, Glaswegians enjoy a night out on the town. A famous Glasgow song now sung all over the world, sums this up:

I Belong to Glasgow
I belang tae Glesga, dear old Glesga toon
But what's the matter wi Glesga, for it's goin' round an roun'
I'm only a common old working chap, as anyone here can see,
But when I get a couple o' drinks on a Setterday,
Glesga belongs tae me!!!!!!
(penned by Will Fyffe)

Famous Glaswegians
Glasgow has a thriving club scene and has produced an impressive list of famous bands. These include Belle & Sebastian, BMX Bandits, Franz Ferdinand, Mogwai, Soup Dragons, Simple Minds and Travis. Famous authors from Glasgow also abound: James Kelman, Liz Lochhead, Alasdair Gray and A.L.Kennedy are just a few.

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