Glasgow is a vibrant and compact city with plenty to offer delegates outside of conference sessions. In 2025, Glasgow celebrates 850 years since the city gained Burgh status. You can learn more about Glasgow’s history, with special reference to its unique architecture, through watching the award-winning documentary, Symphony in Stone. Whilst waiting to attend COLIS, you may wish to read some Scottish Poetry, listen to some traditional Scottish folk music (The Reeling, Glasgow’s summer celebration of Traditional Music is just after COLIS), or listen to some Glasgow comedy!
Many Scottish Cultural Heritage institutions are based in Glasgow including, the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, the Burrell Collection, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Scottish Ballet and Scottish Opera. Glasgow hosts a lively theatre scene and the city has a range of cultural attractions including many museums and art galleries, most of which are free to enter.
Close to the conference venue is Glasgow Cathedral, St Mungo Museum Of Religious Life And Art, the Glasgow Necropolis, a Victorian Garden Cemetery with wonderful views over Glasgow and Provand’s Lordship, the oldest house in Glasgow.
Visitors can explore the works of artist and architect Charles Rennie Mackintosh, walk the city centre Art Mural Trail or take a stroll through one of the many parks and green spaces.
The focal point of George Square is one of the city’s most iconic and imposing buildings, the City Chambers, whose magnificence tells the story of the wealth and industrial prosperity of the Second City of the Empire. It’s one of the most beautiful civic buildings in the UK and a huge favourite amongst locals and tourists. It was opened by Queen Victoria in 1888 and for over a hundred years has been the headquarters of successive city councils. Queen Victoria herself is depicted on the front of the building, with the central apex statue of Truth above her. This will be the location for our Civic Reception.
Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music with over 150 live music events per week, plus a full calendar of other exciting events and festivals throughout the year.
The food and drink scene offers something for everyone, from traditional whisky pubs to fine dining, in a variety of lively neighbourhoods including Finnieston (SEC), the City Centre, the West End and Merchant City.
Delegates can look forward to a warm welcome in a city voted ‘world’s friendliest city’ by Rough Guides.
If you’re extending your stay, Glasgow has excellent travel connections for exploring Scotland and an exciting selection of year-round tours leaving daily for the Scottish Highlands.
Plan your trip at: peoplemakeglasgow.com