The International Pharmaceutical Federation (FIP) and the Royal Pharmaceutical Society welcome you to Glasgow. Pharmacists from Scotland, and across the UK, look forward to receiving their colleagues from around the world at the FIP congress!

Glasgow is a multicultural city where 2,000 years of history jostle for attention with some of the world’s leading service industries and retailers, and academic institutions. Originally a small salmon-fishing village at a crossing point on the River Clyde, Glasgow has been shaped over two millennia by battles, international trade and heavy industry. Compact enough for visitors to easily explore the diverse neighborhoods and districts, the city of Glasgow truly has something for everyone to enjoy.

Rough Guides voted Glasgow the world’s friendliest city and visitors are assured of an exceptionally warm welcome. Once named the European City of Culture, Glasgow has continued to show why this was a well- deserved accolade. In the city, you will find world-class museums, galleries and award-winning visitor attractions, many of which are free to visit. One of the city’s most famous sons is the designer and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, and Mackintosh House contains a collection of items from his original home. Make sure, too, to visit Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, where you can see many examples of his work. There you can also marvel at Salvador Dali’s iconic painting ‘Christ of St John of the Cross’.

The city has some stunning architecture. Take a walk around and see the medieval Glasgow Cathedral and the Gothic style University of Glasgow (thought to be the inspiration behind Hogwart’s). Glasgow’s wealthy past means fine Victorian architecture is visible, but ultramodern buildings can be found, too.

Glasgow has an ‘impressive gastronomic scene’, according to Wanderlust magazine. Some of the best seafood, game and beef are available in the city’s restaurants, but non-meat eaters are catered for as well. Glasgow has been named the UK’s most vegan-friendly city. Whether you go for the meat or vegetarian version, don’t leave without trying haggis, Scotland’s national dish!

Do you like shopping? Glasgow’s retail offering is second only to London’s. Head to Buchanan Street for independent shops and high end, flagship stores, as well as atmospheric galleried malls.

Glasgow is at the heart of some of Scotland’s most spectacular scenery so why not take one of the congress organised tours to make the most of your visit. Loch Lomond and Loch Ness are examples; or explore one of the five whisky-producing regions. You won’t be disappointed!

Top tips for visiting Glasgow

Glasgow is one of the UK’s (and the world’s!) most welcoming cities. As well as the tourist attractions, historical sites and restaurants highlighted in previous newsletters here are some more hints for making the most of your visit

Transport

Glasgow boasts its own Underground system (Subway) formerly known affectionately as the ‘Clockwork Orange’ on account of its colour scheme and the circular route. The trains and stations have undergone modernisation but trains still run on Inner (anticlockwise) and Outer Circle (clockwise) routes between 15 stations on both sides of the River Clyde. In and around the Congress venue Partick, Kelvinhall, Hillhead and Kelvinbridge stations cover the areas around the West End and University, and Buchanan Street and St Enoch serve the main shopping and tourist information centres in city centre. Smartcards and 7 day tickets are good value for travellers, and the city also benefits from extensive bus and local rail services. Local trains from city centre or further west, call at Exhibition Centre station which is a short walk to the Congress events campus. Further public transport information is available at www.spt.co.uk

Taxis

Getting around is also easy by taxi. Taxi fares are regulated by the local authority and Glasgow taxis are cheaper than Edinburgh taxis (for anyone who has visited the capital!) Black taxis are numerous and can be hailed from the street or at taxi ranks in city centre areas. Multiple private hire firms also operate for pre-booked fares and Uber also operates in Glasgow

Directions

Glasgow is a friendly and welcoming place – people will help you if you are lost but if you can’t find a local then there are a couple of things to keep in mind. The city centre is set out in a grid system so you can keep turning in the same direction and come back to where you started, and the River Clyde is the main artery of the city and can be followed from city centre and Central station all the way to the Events Campus and the Congress centre

Safety

Glasgow is a safe city and well covered by CCTV as well as police officers and local authority teams. Common sense safety rules still apply as with any big city location though and in emergencies dial 999

Tipping

Tipping in restaurants/cafes is usual and 10-15% is the norm when you are happy with service. Rounding up taxi fares is common practice, but tipping in bars is usually not expected.

Scotland’s people

Scotland’s people have spread throughout the world over hundreds of years and the Scottish diaspora is far larger than the country’s current population of just over five million.

Might you have Scottish ancestors? Historically, the main destinations for emigrating Scots have been the United States, Canada, Australia and New Zealand, although there are Scottish populations in Argentina, Chile and Brazil, too. You can begin to trace your Scottish heritage by visiting the Scotland’s People Centre in Edinburgh, an hour’s train ride from Glasgow. There, you can search records, and expert advice and assistance are available.