Campaigner Greta Thunberg, pictured, will attend the COP26 conference next week
Sir David Attenborough, Greta Thunberg, and other world leaders will all be in Glasgow next week to drum the alarm about climate change at the COP26 Conference.
If they get out and about, they might be heartened by the eco-credentials of Scotland’s second city — but they may have to step over uncollected rubbish bags (due to a planned binmen’s strike) and avoid argy-bargy with hard-core protesters.
PARK LIFE
Glasgow isn’t the first place that springs to mind when you think about the Temperance movement. But visit Glasgow Green — a huge park that has acted as the lungs of the city since 1490 — and here lies its legacy in the form of a huge monument warning of the perils of drink.
It’s easy to see why the Tennent Caledonian Brewery is so popular in the area.
Elsewhere in the park there’s an immense Nelson monument and the People’s Palace social history centre (glasgowlife.org.uk).
Do your bit: Don’t get a taxi to the park – instead, hire a bicycle. Aye Cycle has a huge range of standard and e-bikes from £5 a day (ayecycleglasgow.org.uk).
HILLSIDE WALK
Glasgow’s green scene: The city’s Necropolis hill, which offers a great view of Glasgow Cathedral from its summit
The outright winner of the title of Scotland’s dourest statue has to fall to John Knox, leader of the country’s Reformation.
Clad in a ridiculous Geneva bonnet, he looks down with the most miserable of expressions at the city beneath him from the top of Glasgow’s Necropolis graveyard. It is an enjoyable experience to explore this hillside collection of crypts.
You’ll feel like you’ve stumbled into ancient Greece because of the graveyard’s neo-classical columns, pediments, and pediments. Plus, you’ll find the best view of Glasgow Cathedral from its summit (glasgownecropolis.org).
Do your bit: Wrap up in some second-hand vintage clothes from Starry Starry Night on Dowanside Lane, Hillhead (starrystarrynightvintage.co.uk).
FREE TROPICS
For those who visit Glasgow’s “tropical” Botanic Garden, pictured above, entry is free
Glasgow isn’t yet feeling the full effects of climate change. One part of Glasgow went tropical long ago. The grandiose Main Range glasshouse in the Botanic Gardens is an eruption of palm trees, orchids and cacti — and entry is free.
Do your bit: Keep the floral vibe alive by buying sustainably sourced plants from Roots And Fruits in nearby Great Western Road (rootsfruitsandflowers.com).
COUNTRY DAYTRIP
Take a day trip to Hill House in Helensburgh, pictured, which is 23 miles from Glasgow
Hill House is located 23 miles from Glasgow. If you’re looking to be immersed in the works of Charles Rennie Mackintosh, Hill House in Helensburgh might be worth a visit. Entry is £13 (nts.org.uk).
Do your bit: Make a day of it and explore the wild Argyll countryside — both cycling and kayaking are on offer (wildaboutargyll.co.uk).
GHOST GROUND
Cathkin Park is shown here, which is now a ghost football pitch. Photo courtesy of Creative Commons
The footballing version of Necropolis, Cathkin Park was home to Third Lanark, which went bust in 1967 and is now a ‘ghost’ football ground.
Do your bit: Just a short walk from Cathkin Park is Locavore, which claims to be the city’s only fully organic cafe (glasgowlocavore.org).