Like all cities it does also have a bit of an edge. I have witnessed a few drunken fights over the years. The "combatants" being dragged apart to the cries of "just leave it, he's no worth it".
However on the whole the beautifully lit up buildings give a backdrop to an exciting, energetic, fun city.
I had the chance over the last few months to take a few photos of Glasgow at night and thought I would share them here.
Firstly we start down at the Clyde. This shot is looking across from the SECC towards the new BBC building reflecting in the water. There is something hypnotic about lights dancing on water.
The 2 red lights in the sky behind are the lights on the Glasgow tower at the Science Centre.
Almost the same point but looking up the Clyde now towards the "Squinty" bridge. What a great addition this bridge is to the river. An elegence to the design that probably has to been seen both at night and day to appreciate all it's aspects.
I liked this slightly abstract shot of the "Armadillo" all lit up. Once again this is a fantastic building, like a futuristic silver version of the Sydney opera house during the day. But this strange blue lighting makes it more like a visiting alien spacecraft at night.
Now back into the city centre and a building featured many times during the day on this blog. The Gallery of Modern Art in Royal Exhange Square. It is beautifully and subtley lit up at night and makes an amazing centre piece to the square especially when framed down the length of Ingram street.
A quirky one here but very familiar to all Glasgow night dwellers. The torches burning outside Waxy O'Connor's bar. Been a cool feature in West George Street for many years. This bar we used to jokingly call the "Ewok village" as inside it was like a series of tree houses. A good fun bar but tricky to find anyone in there!!
Another quirky one and something I have looked out ever since I found it these were here. This is Tontine Lane which runs from Bell Street through to the Trongate. It is where the Tontine Building used to stand hence the name. But the lane now houses these two fantastic neon signs. The Mitre bar sign is actually from the old Mitre Bar that was in Brunswick Street. The Empire sign is not an old sign but acutally a work of art from 1997 by Douglas Gordon. Didn't quite capture it here but it is mounted on a mirror which of course then show it the right way round.
If you are down near Glasgow Cross or in Bell Street at night make a point of looking these out.
Further along Bell Street now and the old Fruitmarket building at the corner with Candelrigg. Not a fruitmarket now of course but full of trendy bars and restaurants. Worth taking a walk through as the unique centre with the old cobbled floor and fairy light ceiling makes this a cool place for a beer. But wanted to get this shot of the outside. This building is nice but perhaps not the most stunning during the day but at night she certainly shines.
I love neon signs. Doesn't everyone?
A quirky one here but very familiar to all Glasgow night dwellers. The torches burning outside Waxy O'Connor's bar. Been a cool feature in West George Street for many years. This bar we used to jokingly call the "Ewok village" as inside it was like a series of tree houses. A good fun bar but tricky to find anyone in there!!
Another quirky one and something I have looked out ever since I found it these were here. This is Tontine Lane which runs from Bell Street through to the Trongate. It is where the Tontine Building used to stand hence the name. But the lane now houses these two fantastic neon signs. The Mitre bar sign is actually from the old Mitre Bar that was in Brunswick Street. The Empire sign is not an old sign but acutally a work of art from 1997 by Douglas Gordon. Didn't quite capture it here but it is mounted on a mirror which of course then show it the right way round.
If you are down near Glasgow Cross or in Bell Street at night make a point of looking these out.
Further along Bell Street now and the old Fruitmarket building at the corner with Candelrigg. Not a fruitmarket now of course but full of trendy bars and restaurants. Worth taking a walk through as the unique centre with the old cobbled floor and fairy light ceiling makes this a cool place for a beer. But wanted to get this shot of the outside. This building is nice but perhaps not the most stunning during the day but at night she certainly shines.
I love neon signs. Doesn't everyone?
And this is a unmistakeable landmark in Glasgow. The Rogano restaurant in Exchange place. Art deco at it's best.
Now this is one of the most stunning and with the ghostly white lights possibly the creepiest lit buildings in Glasgow. The cathedral. It actually had scaffolding on it when came to take this shot so difficult to get a good one but hope you get the idea. Actually feels slightly ethereal, like a ghost building.
Another contestant for most spectacular lit building. The City Chambers. Stunning. This photo was actually taken in June and it is actually after 11pm. As you can see the sky is still not black. And although it was June there is just something about this building all lit up that makes me think of Christmas not matter what time of year.
Another alley, another sign. This time maybe appropriately the Lighthouse all lit up. Considering this is right next to Buchanan Street which is one of the busiest in Glasgow I am amazed how many people still don't know that this is here. Go looking for it!! You won't be disappointed.
Out towards the West End now. This is a wide ranging post this one!!
Now this is one of the most stunning and with the ghostly white lights possibly the creepiest lit buildings in Glasgow. The cathedral. It actually had scaffolding on it when came to take this shot so difficult to get a good one but hope you get the idea. Actually feels slightly ethereal, like a ghost building.
Another contestant for most spectacular lit building. The City Chambers. Stunning. This photo was actually taken in June and it is actually after 11pm. As you can see the sky is still not black. And although it was June there is just something about this building all lit up that makes me think of Christmas not matter what time of year.
Another alley, another sign. This time maybe appropriately the Lighthouse all lit up. Considering this is right next to Buchanan Street which is one of the busiest in Glasgow I am amazed how many people still don't know that this is here. Go looking for it!! You won't be disappointed.
Out towards the West End now. This is a wide ranging post this one!!
And wee bit of playing about with the camera for this one. This is of course the magnificent Kelvingrove art galleries. This building always make me smile when I see it. Reminds me of happy times there as a kid. Makes me happy as it is genuinely a place that I am proud to show off to visitors to the city. At night it is even more special. Love they way they have emphasised features with contrasing red lights.
Art Deco again. And this time in Sauchiehall Street. What was the Beresford Hotel all lit up to show off it's Art Deco grandeur. Reminds me of some of the buildings you see in Miami.
Another slightly quirky one and again in the West End. Ashton Lane at kicking out time.
And finally... the grandest lit up building in Glasgow?
As always,
Art Deco again. And this time in Sauchiehall Street. What was the Beresford Hotel all lit up to show off it's Art Deco grandeur. Reminds me of some of the buildings you see in Miami.
And as it over looks the party and bar area of Sauchie it possibly sees similarities to Miami Beach. Only colder and with less bikinis!! :-)
Another slightly quirky one and again in the West End. Ashton Lane at kicking out time.I liked how this contrasted with previous photos I have taken here during the day and the fact the lights are on but nobody home.
And finally... the grandest lit up building in Glasgow?
The Mitchell Library.
As I have said before on this blog a building that simply makes me think I'm home.
Probably even more so at night.
Well hope you enjoyed this little tour round Glasgow "The Night".
There are a few buildings I wanted to get bit never got the chance like the university and the botanic gardens. But will post them up later.
Also put a few photos together with some music for a wee advert for Yorkhill once again on You Tube.
If you enjoy then please help in any way you can.
As always,
Be well, be happy.
Great post. I am travelling to Glasgow later this month and staying in serviced apartments Glasgow. I intend to explore the city at night, and this has been a good guide for me, in terms of what to see across the city!
ReplyDeleteBe well, be happy!
Harry.