Lobey Dosser Tribute Glasgow Blog

State of the Bunion 2011

Tue, 20 Dec 2011 11:28:29 GMT

It's time again to close off another year at the Top Ten Glasgow Guide.

As I suggested in my earlier post last month, it's been a difficult 2011 where I've only been able to spend a little time on the site as I've had to concentrate my meagre noodles on other things. This year though, we've seen some more movement in the restaurant and attractions sections, some more podcasts with the promise of more on their way in 2012 (perhaps even including a comeback from the comedy grave with the return of For the Love of G...lasgow - 'watch this space', as they say), and there were even some ezines posted out for good measure. Despite my near silence on the site the visitor numbers have still increased from last year, and I still hear from you all on a regular basis through the contact form, which is of course always an absolute pleasure. With these kind of prompts, therefore, I've managed to scrape away bit by bit some of the flaky skin from my tired little bunion of a site, ensuring that it can get the air it needs to fester at the back of my mind as time goes on.

Away from the site we've spent much of our time with our wee boy Riley who's now almost one; we've managed only some staycations this year (ooh, poor you!) in Newcastle, Manchester, York, Liverpool and the excellent Lodge on Loch Lomond; been to some great gigs including the Smashing Pumpkins and Mark Thomas; and shoe-horned in a few unforgetable nights out, so all in all not bad for a year of unparalleled austerity.

In 2012 the hope, as always, is to chip away a bit more on the bunion, completing some more sections and adding new ones, but I'm sure you won't be holding your breath - just feel free to continue enjoying what's there for now, and see anything else as a bonus...

...So have a great festive break, a Happy New Year, and all the very best for 2012.

Groupon vouchers Glasgow

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:45:52 GMT

Here's a wee page I've sorted out linking you to Glasgow's Groupon site, which if you've not heard of it before I would certainly have a look.

If you'll be coming to Glasgow and are looking to book a restaurant or experience, maybe find a spa to relax in while you're here, or even want to unearth a quirky gift here for some loved ones back home, do as the Scots do and save some cash while you're at it.

Click here for more information...

Some more superb Glasgow sayings

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 15:05:15 GMT

Many thanks to Gerard writing from Christchurch in New Zealand, who's sent me some more excellent Glasgow words for inclusion in the wee directory.

Check out the link below and send me any more that you can think of.

Welcome to the Botanic Gardens Glasgow

Tue, 29 Nov 2011 14:18:13 GMT

Quite the year I tell you. Quite the year.

I've chosen to kick start the ol' Top Ten Glasgow Guide again with a page on the Botanic Gardens Glasgow. Nothing better than a bit of fresh air and greenery to get the puff back in the chest, and with this renewed sense of motivation I've already plugged ol' Faither back into the computer for some more Glasgow Generations podcast revelry soon, and have also started work on a page about Tinto Tapas Bar, the final piece of the restaurant section jigsaw, and hope to have it up soon. Once that's completed though, I'm planning on visiting and writing about the new Don Costanzo restaurant that's opened up following the tragic closure of Costanzo's old place, Ristorante Caprese (it's at 13 Woodside Crescent, Glasgow, and their new telephone number is +44 141 332 3070).

I feel I have to apologise for not working on the site in 2011, although I'm continually flabbergasted at the regularity throughout the year of your interest and emails despite this, so many thanks for keeping all this going.

2011 has been a tough year (yeah Scott, tell me about it) and as a result I've had to put the site aside for a bit to concentrate on other things, but you can rest assured that I remain completely and utterly committed to fleshing out the bones here, and maybe by 2014 when we start to welcome the world to our doorstep, the site will look nothing less than like an athlete in their prime, unlike myself of course...

So in the meantime enjoy reading here about the Botanic Gardens in the West End, one of the Top Ten Attractions in Glasgow, and check back soon for some more home town ginger.

The Cinnamon Club, Cambuslang

Sun, 16 Oct 2011 19:16:47 GMT

This has got to be the best Indian restaurant in Glasgow, if not Scotland. Having been there 3 times now I have sampled a whole variety of dishes, the

St James' Parish Church, Pollok

Fri, 23 Sep 2011 19:50:23 GMT

I have been living in Pollok for 57 years. My parents moved into the area in March 1954 when I was 6 months old. I have lived in this house ever since.

Mother Indias Cafe

Mon, 20 Jun 2011 11:37:51 GMT

I have not been to the Indian restaurant placed in your top ten list so I will have to try it but at the moment in my opinion Mother India's Cafe is the

zarraFAC arrives

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:33:01 GMT

Like the podcast scenario, my wee ezine called zarraFAC had been sitting on the backburner since the Dark Ages, but yesterday I finally eeked out five minutes of spare time to upload the very first issue.

After reading it you may well come to the view that I needn't have bothered of course, but hopefully some of you like what you read and give me some feedback to use on the next issue.

This one's all about what's coming up in Glasgow in June, and there's also a chance to find discounts in the City up to 90% off. Have a read and let me know what you think.

A welcome return?

Tue, 07 Jun 2011 06:28:14 GMT

It only took about six months, but Faither and I finally managed to find the microphone again to record a brand new episode of Glasgow Generations last night.

This new one, on the face of it, is all about the No Mean City tag forever associated with Glasgow, which means that in actual fact, we talk more about dirty cinemas and poser pubs. It's available for download now, and we'd love to hear your own memories of old Glesca if you get the chance - just email

glasgowgenerations@gmail.com

Glee at Glasgow Cathedral

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:31:26 GMT

In support of the Glasgow Cathedral Choir, The Cathedral music committee is pleased to present, for one performance only, the Cornell University Glee Club A Cappella Group.

The performance will take place in the Nave of Glasgow Cathedral, 2 Castle Street, at 7:30 PM on Wednesday the 23rd of March. Tickets at the door only at 15 pounds / (10 pounds concession including students).

The group is one of the premiere all-male collegiate a cappella groups in the USA and has toured and performed all over the world, including China, Spain and Italy in recent years - performing at the Kennedy Center, the Lincoln Center and at Disney World in the past year. They also had the opportunity to perform for Supreme Court Justice and Cornell alumna Ruth Bader Ginsburg 54 at the Supreme Court with the Glee Club. The group has also received accolades for bringing the tone and blend of the Glee Club to popular music, giving them a unique and powerful sound.

They have released 13 albums, of which the most recent - Three Sheets to the Wind (2008) received nominations for Best Male Collegiate Album, Best Humor Song, Best Male Soloist and Best Hip-Hop/R&B Song in the 2009 Contemporary A Cappella Recording Awards.

For further information please contact Glen Collie, Session Clerk: 01505 323 691 or glen.collie@glasgowcathedral.org.uk. Or see the Cathedral website, www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk.

Thanks Yuli

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:10:11 GMT

Always good to get another's perspective of life in Glasgow, so thanks again Yuli for keeping us up to date.

As for Yuli's site, if you're planning a visit to Glasgow you might want to try EasyToBook.com, which offers plenty of hotels in the City as well as the rest of Europe.

Molly Malones Glasgow

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 11:04:43 GMT

By Yuli Linssen Kaminitz, guest blogger from EasyToBook.com.

There is no better way to finish this "Glasgow's Top 5 Hot Spots" list than with a cool Irish pub. The best thing about Irish pubs is the fact that you always know what to expect. The same old 'cozy atmosphere combined with good beer on the menu' method, always wins. Aside from the amazing vibe, Molly Malone's also offer live shows every Friday and Saturday evening. Enjoy a cold beer with some salty nuts on the side while listening to some great local artists.

Address: 244 Hope Street, City Centre, Glasgow G2 3PT, 0141 332 2757

Buchanan Galleries Shopping Glasgow

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:58:54 GMT

By Yuli Linssen Kaminitz, guest blogger from EasyToBook.com.

After a long night of dancing it might be good to do something relaxing like retail shopping. This stylish shopping centre is considered to be one of the best and most luxurious in the city. The mall is located in the city centre and you will be able to find there more than 90 brands. Other than big names such as H&M and Mango, the mall also offers smaller boutiques where upcoming designers are able to showcase their work. Enjoy a full day strolling around the shops, eating in one of the available restaurants and browsing at the different sales.

Address: Buchanan Street, Glasgow, 0141 333 9898

Nice and Sleazy Bar Glasgow

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:54:13 GMT

By Yuli Linssen Kaminitz, guest blogger from EasyToBook.com.

If you want to party Glasgow style, then this is the place for you. This extremely popular but yet alternative club is the ultimate place for people who appreciate quality music which is not necessarily mainstream. The place offers a nice experience for all types of music lovers. There are live gigs every other night, a dance hall for pumping parties, and different party themes every week in order to make sure that there are enough options to choose from. After a long night of dancing and drinking you will probably get some appetite - just order one of their tasty night meals, (such as halloumi burger or Spanish frittata) and keep on partying.

Address: 421 Sauchiehall St, City Centre Glasgow G2 3LG 0141 333 0900

Blue Dog Bar Glasgow

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:51:13 GMT

By Yuli Linssen Kaminitz, guest blogger from EasyToBook.com.

The Blue Dog Bar is an extremely popular place in Glasgow thanks to its laid back atmosphere and old school vibe. This relaxed hot spot opened in 2003 and ever since it has become the number one place for cocktails in town. After a nice dinner head out to the Blue Dog Bar in order to enjoy some jazzy music and exclusive alcohol beverages. When arriving there you will be pleasantly surprised by the crowd. There is a nice mix between old and younger people, all enjoying and engaging together in conversation. The dress code is casual and hassle-free.

Address: 151 West George Street, Glasgow, G2 2JJ - 0141 229 0707

Rococo Restaurant Glasgow

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:48:11 GMT

By Yuli Linssen Kaminitz, guest blogger from EasyToBook.com.

This beautiful restaurant is by far one of the trendiest places in town. The modern design, creative and super delicious menu, excellent service and intimate atmosphere, all make it a truly unique place. Rococo restaurant has always been a favorite place to have dinner, it is generally free from bad reviews and if you ask any local person, he will for sure recommend you to go there. Even though this hot spot is extremely chic and elegant, you will not get here any stuck up attitude. The friendly staff are always welcoming and happy to serve new and regular clients.

Address: 48 West Regent Street, City Centre, Glasgow - 0141 221 5004

Glasgow's Top 5 Hot Spots

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:42:17 GMT

By Yuli Linssen Kaminitz, guest blogger from EasyToBook.com.

Glasgow is one of the finest destinations to visit in Europe. The city is vibrant and young, there are plenty of cultural things to see and do, and the stunning architecture makes it a truly magical stay to every kind of traveler. If you are one of these people who love to have fun and explore the local night life while you visit a new place, then these tips are especially for you. We gathered here the top 5 current hot spots in the city which are more than worth visiting. Don't forget to take your camera with you.

Guest Blogger from Easytobook.com

Tue, 15 Mar 2011 10:37:58 GMT

I'm happy to announce that in the next few blog entries, you'll have access to some excellent tips on getting the very best out of Glasgow from Yuli Linssen Kaminitz, a guest blogger from EasyToBook.com (when I say "happy", that's not merely because it saves me some work...).

So it's over to you Yuli, and in due course you'll see me back here with some exciting updates for the site.

Some more superb Glasgow sayings

Tue, 01 Mar 2011 10:41:12 GMT

I've updated my little page of traditional Glasgow sayings, having received a bunch of excellent submissions from you in the last few months (it's taken me a while to get around to it so thanks for your patience).

Hopefully you'll enjoy all the new additions, and please keep them coming, as it's always great to get reminded of the ones I've forgotten.

The Sisters Kelvingrove

Fri, 25 Feb 2011 20:01:09 GMT

And about time to, you may say.

Having visited recently my favourite Scottish restaurant Glasgow has to offer, the Sisters Kelvingrove, I reminded myself that until now I'd completely forgotten to insert it into my little list of the top ten restaurants in the City.

Total wally, I know.

So here's a wee review, and I hope I've done it justice and manage to persuade some more folks to visit - if you do, you will not be disappointed.

As for what's been going on during this extended period of silence on the site, of late my time's been swallowed up by a crying baby, so writing this review is but a mere pause between nappy changes. I'm sure I'll be back on course once the wee fella's completely self-sufficient, say, in about two months time (eh?...eh?...), so until then I'll check in whenever I can, and thanks for your continued support while I've been away.

The Shenaz Charing Cross

Fri, 04 Feb 2011 09:07:13 GMT

The Shenaz restaurant in Charing Cross boasts the motto One Visit Means Many and has been opened for almost 50 years. Since I've been dining there as a

State of the Bunion

Wed, 12 Jan 2011 17:28:23 GMT

A bit later than usual, but it's time to weigh in with my annual bunion report for 2010.

The last year has been as fantastic as ever, albeit that on the site, progress has been as painfully slow as ever. You will have noticed however, a slightly larger attractions section, some changing of the guard on the restaurant section, a new top ten Glasgow charity page, and new episodes of ra Glesca patter in our Glasgow Generations and For the Love of G...lasgow podcasts.

On the personal side, 2010 saw holidays to Route 66, London, Newcastle, Chester, Dublin and more, as well as some great gigs including Joe Bonamassa, Frankie Boyle, Kevin Bridges and Jimmy Carr. Tracey spent most of the year sober though, as she was pregnant with our son Riley, who was eventually born at the start of 2011 despite being due on Christmas Day.

As for 2011, I'm hoping to find some time between the nappy changes and the moments hiding in the shed to continue my long quest to make it look as though I spend any time whatsover on the site. I'm looking to finish the restaurant section now that it's been revamped, and the attractions section as well as a new shopping and sports bit. Who knows whether that'll end up being another whole lot of hot air, but everyone loves a trier eh?

All the best for the year to come, and thanks for all the emails motivating me to keep going with this.

Wyndford Road, Maryhill

Sun, 05 Dec 2010 09:02:24 GMT

This is the ground where I played cowboys and indians, held World War II battles, my Tonka trucks trundled, caught jeelie sandwiches in, and kicked footballs

Is it a bird? Is it a plane?...

Wed, 01 Dec 2010 09:05:38 GMT

No, it's our rubbish podcast.

After a break which lasted for over a year, Alan and I have returned to the fold from which we were, well, unfolded. We've managed to lay down a spanking new episode, the first of the second series of For the Love of G...lasgow, and hope you'll enjoy our usual pointless brand of pointless pointlessness.

This time around there's no music, no jingles, and no tragic advertising on social networks, so word of mouth alone should get us back up to our target number of 12 listeners.

As always, send your emails to fortheloveofglasgowpodcast@gmail.com and you can absolutely bet all your cash on getting a mention on our next episode in exactly (but nowhere near exactly) two weeks' time.

Enjoy...

Free Gemmes

Fri, 19 Nov 2010 11:27:09 GMT

It's amazing how time flies. Someone told me last night that they'd been wasting some time on my free Glasgow games page, and to be perfectly honest I'd completely forgotten it was even there, having built it a number of years ago.

So I've updated it a little, and if, like me, you've got nothing better to do sometimes than to waste half an hour doing something pointless, this is the page for you.

The fact that the three games on there are all relevant to Glasgow is simply my excuse for making this fun waste of time worthwhile to the site...

Some more of the same

Wed, 10 Nov 2010 07:08:37 GMT

The sparkling new 8th episode of our Glasgow Generations podcast is now available to download.

This one's about music again, which explains why we yap about getting drunk and going to church, and people on horseback at the Glasgow Empire.

Feel free to download it anyway, and keep the emails coming to glasgowgenerations@gmail.com.

Book now at the Caprese

Thu, 28 Oct 2010 10:55:19 GMT

I've attached a link here to the blog of Ristorante Caprese Glasgow.

You might have read on my site the unfortunate events that have led to my favourite restaurant in the City having to close, and whilst a definite date has not been fixed for the closing of its doors, it's now thought that it will finally close after January of next year.

So that means that you'll have to be quick if you want to say goodbye to the Caprese, particuarly given just how busy it's been there over recent months.

As I said before, Costanzo and his family will be opening a new place at Charing Cross thereafter, and once it's open I'll certainly be heading there and spreading the good word about it on the site.

In the meantime, apologies for yet another silence on the ol' Top Ten for some time. I've noticed that despite the fact that I've not worked on it substantively for some months now, the number of folks visiting the site continues to increase. So I hope to repay that much appreciated interest by posting some more information in the restaurant and attractions sections in the coming weeks and months.

Arrabest until then...

Roma Mia - Southside Gem

Mon, 25 Oct 2010 14:50:08 GMT

Roma Mia deserves a mention in your list, it's on Darnley Street, Pollokshaws. Family run by father and son Massimo and Michael Onorati, fantastic food

Paying it Forward

Wed, 08 Sep 2010 09:32:01 GMT

I've just completed a wee page listing my top ten Glasgow charities.

So here's the rub. I'm not demanding any astronomical donations or philanthropic volunteering as a prerequisite for your continued enjoyment of the site, I'm not jumping into a bath of beans to prove how worthwhile the charities are, and the only celebrity I've lined up to hawk the idea of benevolence in the community is, well, me.

OK, so I'm not a celebrity (except in my bathroom mirror), but what the hey.

All I'm hoping for is that if you've been enjoying the site, you'll understand how passionate I am about Glasgow, and agree with me that the best way to give a little back to her is to put out a helping hand to those here who need it the most.

Thanks in advance...

Music to the Ears

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 22:07:19 GMT

Thank you for the music? Err, not too sure you'll be singing this after listening to our new Glasgow Generations episode, but whether you will or not, hopefully there'll be at least an echo of interest in what Faither has to say about growing up with music in Glasgow.

Feel free to download the new episode and let us know what you think.

Panda Restaurant Glasgow - Best Chinese Buffet

Mon, 06 Sep 2010 12:34:16 GMT

All you posh folks out there looking for Michelin Star quality cuisine in Glasgow, you'd be as well grabbing a taxi now because my new top ten review is of Panda Restaurant Glasgow.

That's right, a chinese buffet place. And I mention in the review the delights of jelly and ice cream.

Oh boy. I can hear the phones ringing off the hook already...But hey, those of you normals out there like me who just love eating, have a squizz of this place and I guarantee you'll come out smiling. As always, let me know your thoughts on the place.

Blue Rupee East Kilbride Road Burnside Glasgow

Thu, 19 Aug 2010 09:42:04 GMT

As you all know Glasgow is famous for its Indian food as we have a well established population of wonderful chefs. The best curries I have ever tasted

The Slow Burner

Mon, 09 Aug 2010 20:14:20 GMT

OK, so tonight was the first chance I've had to upload the new episode of Glasgow Generations. You've no need to worry therefore - the length of time it appeared to take to upload has nowt to do with the episode lasting more than five hours.

You'll be pleased to note that the new one is just over 30 minutes of Glesca drawl, some of it relevant, most of it not, but hopefully you'll enjoy listening to some more of Faither's upbringing in the smog-ridden Glasgow of old.

Enjoy...

Technologoggle

Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:59:28 GMT

Having recorded with Faither a brand spanking new episode of Glasgow Generations last night, I've spent all day trying unsuccessfully to upload it into the big world of wide webs.

I know that this kind of supposedly painful news will raise arms of delight from Martha's Vineyard to Maryhill, but don't you worry - after I come back from London this weekend I'll be coming back to the problem with a fresh, if slightly hungover, aplomb, so be sure to check back again next week for the Sixth instalment of historical nonsense.

Time for gastronomical change

Fri, 11 Jun 2010 11:46:07 GMT

Nothing's really changed much in the restaurant section of late, but that's about to, well, change.

Having just visited again one of my favourite Scottish restaurants in Glasgow, Arisaig in Merchant Square, I've added it to the top ten and will be completing a review as soon as I get around to it.

At the same time I've taken off Stavka and Cathay Cuisine, both of which are sadly no longer with us, and replaced them with Panda Chinese Cuisine at the Quay, and an almost completely unknown gem of a Spanish restaurant in the Southside of the City called Tinto Tapas Bar. Again, I'll be polishing off another dinner at these places soon before slapping up some reviews.

If you've been to any of these restaurants before I'd be happy to hear from you before I put up the reviews, as it's always great to get as much in the way of reviews into my reviews as possible.

Bon appetit.

My Social Networking Death

Tue, 08 Jun 2010 15:06:56 GMT

I'm offski.

I've now had my fill of social networking, mainly because it's part of the reason behind the lack of progress on the ol' Top Ten Glasgow Guide over the years.

So I'll be closing my pages on Twitter, mySpace, Facebook (including our For the Love of G...lasgow podcast page), Bebo, Friendfeed, LinkedIn, and any others I find lurking about the milky ether.

To those who care for such things, I appreciate that this is all pretty drastic stuff, but having wasted too many precious hours trying to extend my reach across the world, I want my life back.

Yes siree, it's time once and for all to give this site the kick up the proverbial it needs, and my aim is to do whatever it takes to continue its rise to the dizzying heights it's always been destined to reach (ahem...). Mission statement ends - time to work.

How does this thing work again?...

Wed, 12 May 2010 10:54:54 GMT

Boy has it been a while. I'm sure you'll have been wondering where we got to (OK, so maybe not), so you'll be absolutely ecstatic to note that Faither and I have completed a new episode of our wee Glasgow Generations podcast.

Lots of the usual diatribe about the Barras, the Broons and the DIY bikes. Have a listen and be sure to email us a list of more prompts for Faither's ever-decreasing memory bank.

Torres

Mon, 10 May 2010 07:37:19 GMT

Torres is a Spanish Tapas restaurant on Sauchiehall Street Glasgow. The staff are happy, friendly and the service is fantastic. It's a medium size restaurant,

Finally - The Provand's Lordship

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 11:20:25 GMT

It only took me about six months to get this page up, but after a long, agonising period full of laziness and playing Call of Duty on the PS3, I've finally got my act together and completed a new page on the site, this time about the wonderful Provand's Lordship.

This wee gem of a place has a fascinating history even most Glaswegians don't know about, and after polishing it off I'm glad I finally did this page, as I've learned even more about the roots of my home town in doing so.

Have a read and let me know what you think. For me, I'm going to try and turn now to the next part of the attractions section, the St. Mungo Museum in the Glasgow Cathedral Precinct, but hopefully it won't take as long to finish this time...

Erra Commonwulth Gemmes

Mon, 08 Mar 2010 13:42:06 GMT

Here's the new logo for the Glasgow 2014 Commonwealth Games for you.

Inspiring eh?

In the run up to 2014 and once I get that finger out the proverbial (erm, how many years is that now?), my hope is to finally complete not only the general incompleteness that darkens my site so tellingly, but also a sparkly new section on the Commonwealth Games due to take place here, including the new facilities and developments in the City that'll hopefully improve life here even after the closing ceremony's final firework has sputtered its last.

Let's be realistic though. For a number of years prior to 2014, this sparkly new section I promise you so promisingly is likely to look somewhat similar to Glasgow's present state of preparation for the Games, but fingers-crossed, I'll manage to trot out enough of a guide on the subject to attract some Lottery funding (anyone?...anyone?...) and which may even help some folks get to know their way around the Games when they eventually descend on the City.

Until then, back to that darned attractions section...

Back in the saddle

Wed, 03 Mar 2010 11:07:58 GMT

It's been a ferr wee while, but faither and I got back into our podcasting seats last night and managed to cram in some more of the town's history and a few personal stories of my Dad's early days here, in our fourth episode of the Glasgow Generations podcast.

Have a wee listen and let us know what you think.

The Comeback

Tue, 09 Feb 2010 09:32:39 GMT

What you're about to read could very well be described as the most earth shattering announcement you'll hear all year:

On Tuesday, 16th February in the Year of Our Lord 2010, Alan and I will be dusting off the microphone, shuffling ourselves in front of my cobwebbed laptop, fixing each other's flaxen hair, and firing ourselves up for the fire crackling Second Series of our little For the Love of G...lasgow podcast.

Expect the expected, in other words the usual tragic nonsense, because after a fair few months' break we're full once again of vim and of glorious vigour, and cannot wait to fill you in on what we've been up to since you last heard our most angelic of voices in your ears. OK, so I could very well sum up what we've been doing as:

erm, we've been playing the PS3 and our new HTC Hero phones, and stuff...

...but I'm sure as always we'll drag that kind of gold out for at least 30 minutes per show, so tune in, turn up the noise and spank yourself in time with the beat of our comedy genius.

The Twenty Sixth will be with you soon...

Windows Restaurant at the Carlton George Hotel

Mon, 08 Feb 2010 09:22:15 GMT

I'm actually very surprised that this restaurant was not featured in your top ten and can only assume that this is because you have not had the good fortune

Sugarolly and hudgies

Wed, 20 Jan 2010 09:30:33 GMT

I've just polished off a new episode of the Glasgow Generations podcast with my Dad, and it's now available to download for free using the link here.

This one's all about the old street games played in Glasgow in years past, including the death-defying catching hudgies and jumping the 7 foot dykes.

No wonder that the kids in old photos of Glasgow are always covered in scrapes and tattered clothes...

Happy New One Anawrat

Mon, 04 Jan 2010 16:30:07 GMT

I hope your festive break was as jam-packed with exciting excitement as mine.

I'm now fresh back from Cardiff and gazing out at the snow-laden ice of Glasgow and towards another year full of promise. I wish you all the very best for 2010, and will (try to) start back in the coming weeks on the creative train delay that is the Top Ten Glasgow Guide.

See you all soon...

As decades go, how's about it?!!

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 10:39:52 GMT

You know, I just finished my usual State of the Bunion there, signing off for another year of fun and wacky frolics, and it struck me like a big, shiny hammer on the head that we're now at the end of the first decade of the 21st Century.

Yeah, wow Scott - way to catch up there.

Personally speaking, the last ten years since the Y2K threat was supposed to have consumed our life has been nothing less than fantastic.

Tracey and I got shackled together; we celebrated the births of our nieces Charlotte and Suzannah, our Goddaughter Brooke, and the beautiful weans of some of our (now over-tired but ecstatic) friends; I've been lucky enough to travel all over the world every year with Tracey and our mates; I qualified in law and became a Partner in a Law Firm before I was 30; we've enjoyed with our friends and family countless unforgettable moments of joy, happiness, laughter and love that I hope upon hope I'll remember forever; and despite there having been some sadness along the way, I felt that I had to share just how eternally thankful I am for the life, family, friends and moments I've had up until now.

To everyone who's spent a while on my little site over the years, sharing your love of Glasgow with me, I'd like to extend my genuine appreciation for your time and your input - ah hope it wisnae wastit - and as we begin to turn the page into the next decade and all its potential, you can rest assured that I'll be in a pub somewhere in Cardiff at the Bells lifting a glass for all of you.

Yours aye,

Scott

State of the Bunion 2009

Mon, 21 Dec 2009 09:48:54 GMT

Well, as I heave myself around after another weekend of festive over indulgence, I find myself at the end of another outstanding year.

For Tracey and myself, despite the recession 2009 was pretty near to perfect. Everyone we know healthy and happy; starting the year with a big bang in Galway; holidays to California and Nevada, Manchester (twice), London, Letterkenny, Newcastle, Albufeira and plenty of wee days out and weekends away here and there; looking forward to ending the year in Cardiff; celebrating our Goddaughter Brooke's Christening; some sterling gigs including U2 then Bruce Springsteen at Hampden, Russell Howard, Metallica, New Kids on the Block (erm...), The Killers, Louis XIV; and much more.

On the site, I didn't quite complete the restaurant and attractions bits, so as promised last year, you might see me running down Buchanan Street naked on Christmas Day, but you will have noted the getting around section completed, a flatsharing bit, additions to the Glesca patter guide, a full hotel section, a complete first series of our For the Love of G...lasgow podcast, and the exciting birth of our new podcast called Glasgow Generations. Once again, the number of folks stopping by my little site has trebled over the year, and it's really pretty humbling to hear from all of those as interested as me in what's going on in my home town, so please keep the emails flying in.

2010 will see the completion of the restaurant and attractions sections (no worries...), and possibly a wee shopping guide as well - I realise now that it's probably best not to promise the earth though, what with my past laziness and all.

So here's to my ever-burgeoning bunion and its crazy life of puss and happiness in Glasgow - have a great festive break, thanks for all your interest and support as always, and I'll see you again in the New Year.

Penny Caramels and Homemade Forts

Wed, 16 Dec 2009 10:01:38 GMT

As it's fast approaching Christmas, we thought that for the new episode of our little Glasgow Generations podcast, we should hark back to how the festive period was celebrated in Glasgow in the 40s, 50s and 60s.

Have a listen to the new show which is free now to download, and hear about what you'd expect to receive in your stocking and under the tree, the old stores in the City that are now closed, and why Hogmanay in Glasgow was far more important than Christmas back in the day.

We'll be back in 2010 with more trips down memory lane, and as we begin to gather some momentum for the show, we look forward to hearing your own memories of Glasgow - feel free to share them at

glasgowgenerations@googlemail.com

or by using the comments box linked from here. Cheers for now and thanks from my Dad and me for listening.

Glasgow Generations on iTunes

Fri, 04 Dec 2009 12:38:50 GMT

Now that the first episode of the new show's out there in the world wide interweb thingy, you'll be pleased to know that iTunes have grabbed it up already, and you can now download and subscribe to Glasgow Generations for free directly from the iTunes directory.

All you need to do is follow the link to the podcast page here, and click the iTunes link you'll see there.

I'd be grateful if you could leave a rating and review for the show on iTunes if you enjoyed the first episode, as the more reviews there the more it'll get noticed.

Until then, we're planning for the second episode already, and hope to bring you something festive given the time of year. Lots of yapping about Christmas in Glasgow in the old days, the erstwhile toys made and received, the lack of holidays, why Hogmanay seemed to be more important at least to the adult working population of the City, and much more.

As before, I'll let you know here once the new one's up.

Welcome to Glasgow Generations

Wed, 02 Dec 2009 10:05:31 GMT

After a long, slow burn of planning, I'm happy to release kicking and screaming our new Glasgow Generations podcast from the traps.

The first episode of the show is now available to download using the link here, and you'll soon see that it features me talking to my dad, Charlie Docherty, about his early years in Glasgow from the 1940s and onwards.

Over time we'll be recording quite a bit of personalised history of Glasgow with some no doubt typical Glesca patter thrown in, and if you're an ex-pat Glaswegian, someone who's looking for a trip back to your old tenement days in the City, or even just someone who's interested in the history of Glasgow, I hope this gives you a wee taste of what it was like back in the day.

And as we say during the show, we'd love to hear your own stories and memories of your time here, so please use the comments box on the podcast page or email -

glasgowgenerations@googlemail.com Arrabest and enjoy the show...