The Scotland Journal

Explore Scotland

Start with Glasgow

First time in Glasgow? A guide to the city’s sights and stories

Choose stops for a first Glasgow visit, from the cathedral and city murals to Kelvingrove.

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Glasgow City Chambers and the Walter Scott column in George Square

TomZoy / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Words & wit

What does glaikit mean? Meaning, pronunciation and examples

What glaikit means in everyday Scots, with pronunciation and example sentences.

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Page 34 of Volume 2, showing the Glaikit phrase and its English meaning

Sik Studios

People & history

Robert Burns: wit and satire in his poems

The humour in three Burns poems, from a louse in church to Tam o’ Shanter’s chase.

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Robert Burns in Alexander Nasmyth’s 1787 portrait

Alexander Nasmyth / Wikimedia Commons / Public domain

Explore Scotland

Glasgow Cathedral: history and visiting guide

How Glasgow Cathedral changed over the centuries, with information for planning a visit.

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The nave of Glasgow Cathedral, with tall stone arches and a timber roof

Reinhard Müller / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

Scottish culture

Burns Night: what happens at a Burns supper

What to expect at a Burns supper, including the meal and readings.

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A full serving of haggis, neeps and tatties on a white plate, with gravy being poured

The Integer Club / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Scottish gifts

A Scottish insults book as a gift: who it suits and what is inside

See what is inside Volume 2 and decide whether it suits the person you are buying for.

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A Wee Book of Scottish Insults Volume 2 cover

Sik Studios

Explore Scotland

Edinburgh Old Town: a first-time visitor’s guide

Plan an Old Town visit around the Royal Mile, with stops at the castle or National Museum of Scotland.

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The Royal Mile in Edinburgh Old Town, with St Giles’ Cathedral ahead

Andraszy / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0

People & history

Stirling Castle: what to see and how to plan your visit

The history of Stirling’s royal buildings and what to check before visiting the castle.

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Graham Lewis / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

People & history

Where to see Charles Rennie Mackintosh’s work in Glasgow

Compare the Mackintosh House, House for an Art Lover and the Hill House before choosing a visit.

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House for an Art Lover in Bellahouston Park, Glasgow

wfmillar / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 2.0

Words & wit

Scots and Scottish Gaelic: what is the difference?

How Scots differs from Scottish Gaelic, with dictionaries and audio resources for each.

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An English and Scottish Gaelic welcome sign at the Scottish Parliament

Darren J. Prior / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 4.0

Scottish culture

Hogmanay traditions: first-footing, the bells and a Scottish New Year

First-footing and other Scottish New Year customs, with links to current event information.

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New Year fireworks above Edinburgh, with the castle and city skyline visible

Robbie Shade / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY 2.0

Scottish gifts

Scottish stocking fillers for adults: choosing a small gift with a personal joke

Check Volume 2’s size and pack prices before choosing it as a stocking filler.

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Sik Studios

Explore Scotland

Free museums in Glasgow: what to see on a budget

Free admission at GoMA, Riverside, Kelvingrove and the Hunterian, with links to visitor information.

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Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum in Glasgow

瑞丽江的河水 / Wikimedia Commons / CC BY-SA 4.0