Local traditions and culture in Glasgow

The city has a plethora of languages promoting arts n culture. It is very lucky to have an alliance Francaise institute which also gives a home to the Gouthe institute. www.afglasgow.org.uk
There is also the events run by the scots language society a wonderful friend for any student trying to study the weegies as the glaswegians are affectionately known as.www.scotslanguage.com The polish and greek communities also run a lot of events.

If you have seen Highlander with Sean Connery and Christopher Lambert maybe you remember the scene where the Highlander Connery rips on the Highlander Lambert for eating Haggis.
Haggis is a traditional Scottish dish made out of the heart, liver and lungs. Haggis is traditionally served with "neeps and tatties" or better known as turnips and potatoes. The haggis I ate was mashed and cut into little pieces and was black. I found the local dish after wandering into a Bar on Buchannen St. The haggis I ordered and ate was served with some type of large barley and two types of mashed items. One of these side items I am sure was mashed potatoes and the other was probably mashed turnip. With some gravey and some Peary ciders to wash it down, it was actually a tasty meal.

When Scotland plays an important match at Glasgow's Hampden Park, look out for one of the national side's more famous supporters. Rod Stewart, obviously a sucker for punishment, regularly turns up to groan and moan as the Scottish team slides and slithers to another ignominious defeat. The Scots once tenaciously held Brazil to a draw in the World Cup - but that was so long ago that even Rod Stewart looked young at the time. Alas, just as in Korea and Japan in 2002, there were no kilts and bagpipes and 'See You Jimmy' wigs at the World Cup in Germany in 2006.

During Mid-July Glasgow locals observe a long weekend holiday (sometimes up to 1 week) this year (2006) it ranged from 15th July - 18th July, during this time some local shops/resturants/council services close, also some bus services run on a limited timetable.

This holiday has become less and less recognised each year - but just be aware, Glaswgians like their holidays, so the airport might be a little busier than normal!

I recently enjoyed a "real" pudding supper from a Glasgow chip shop. It is some years since I last had such good chips!

The Blue Lagoon branch situated underneath Glasgow Central Station is one of the best. Don't forget to buy a glass bottle of Irn Bru to go with your chips.

To me, the first thing I noticed was how sorry everyone was. If you stand in the store looking at something and someone wants to pass, THAT person says "sorry" for passing and YOU says "sorry" for standing in the way.

Where I come from we may say "sorry" for passing, but in the situation above I think we'd just say "may I pass" with the reply "sure".

This was just an example, people say "sorry" in all situations imaginable. Sounds nice though, I got used to it very quickly.

Although people gives me peculiar looks nowadays when I automatically use the same phrase here in Stockholm...

Nowhere else in Scotland will you find this except in Glasgow!!!

After a night of pubbling/clubbing, drunk men in groups often challenge each other to lift a street cone, climb one of the many lofty staues in town and place it on the head. Risky business, I won't try it if I were you if you're not a local. Each cone is about 10kg (heavy to keep them on the road cos of strong winds). Statues are really slippery too, especially when it rains almost all the time.

Not only do Glaswegians have to watch their step, they have to be on the constant lookout for the police who can fine them.

Usually most cones are taken down (by law enforcers) 1st thing in the morning, but some somehow remain like this one.

The electricity supply voltage is 230V. Equipment rated at 220V may function, but it is advisable to check with the manufacturer before using it in the UK. The standard plug in the UK is a three flat pin model.
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