By special request...

It was Goldilocks weather in Glasgow "The Day". Not too hot, not too cold. It was just right. Sunshine but every now and then a cloud to break the heat. So at lunchtime took a stroll across town to Virginia Street.

Why Virginia Street ? Because this was a special request from my very special friend Suzie. The story is my friend used to live there but is now in Raleigh, North Carolina and wanted to have a wee nostalgic view of the street today. So today's tour is dedicated to Suzie, Marc and the beautiful Iona. Hope it makes you smile out there.

Virginia Street is actually a really interesting street in the Merchant City area full of old buildings dating back to the 1800's. It was the very centre of the tobacco lords estates in Glasgow. If you are in or are visiting Glasgow then definitely take a stroll up here and take your time to study the detail on the buildings. I also took some shots of some of the surrounding area as well. Can't really do the street justice in a few shots but hopefully given a taster that will make you go look for yourself. This site : http://www.glasgowmerchantcity.net/trail.htm gives a really good quick guide to the area.
So won't say too much about the photos just let them mainly speak for themselves. Maybe Suzie can add her own comments later? :)

I've not been in Virginia Street for years so really enjoyed today.

Actually starting in Ingram Street just North of Virginia Street looking towards the Italian Centre. Lovely row of buildings here and some exclusive shopping as well. Suzie I did check if Cruise clothing at the corner had a sale on but not today. :)

Still on Ingram Street. Lovely little building that used to be a bank and is now Jigsaw, another clothes shop. Well worth going in to see the inside of the building as well.

Detail above the door of the Jigsaw building showing it's origins as a bank. Crest shows St. Mungo and the symbol of Glasgow.


Suzie said she liked this sign and I can see why. Seems to fit in with the whole feel of this special wee place.

Side view of the Jigsaw / bank building. Beautiful detail around the window. You can also see some of the lovely interior detail through the window. Bet every shop wishes it had such a display to show off a dress like this!!

Stunning window detail on the building that splits Virginia Lane.

What an amazing building. Used to be the Scottish Legal Life Assurance Offices. Now cafes and flats. This is where my friend lived. Now I understand why you miss here.


Another view of the Scottish Legal building looking down towards Virginia Lane.

The famous Jacobean Corsetry sign on the Virginia Courts building.

The Merchant Lodge Hotel. I didn't even know this hotel existed until today. What a wonderful little gem in the middle of the city. Was the former home of one of the city's tobacco lords.

Another view of the Merchant Lodge Hotel showing the courtyard and the tower. When I saw this little courtyard I just wanted to stay there! I spoke to the very friendly Janice at reception and she gave me some brochures and some information on the hotel. But if you want to know more go to : http://www.merchantlodgehotel.com/

More beautiful detail st No. 42.


Peckhams at corner of Wilson Street and Glassford Street.

That's all the updates for now. For those who know the area hope this made you want to go back take a look. If you never been, then get yourself here.

Suzie, Marc and Iona, miss you guys and hope I did your street justice.

Be well, be happy!!