Day 5 – Exploring Glasgow: University, Bagpipes & Tartans

My first full day in Glasgow was spent exploring some of the traditions and staples of Scotland.  I first made my way to the west end of town to Kelvingrove Park and the University of Glasgow.  Scotland is home to some of the most famous writers, intellectuals, artists and inventors in history including Adam Smith (political economy), Adam Ferguson (modern sociology), Robert Burns (literature), Arthur Conan Doyle (writer, Sherlock Holmes stories), Alexander Graham Bell (inventor, telephone), John Logie Baird (inventor, television), Sir James Dewar (inventor, the thermos…my personal favorite), Irvine Welsh (novelist, Trainspotting) and, of course, JK Rowling (novelist, Harry Potter series…my real personal favorite).  Not that all of them attended university in Scotland, but many of the current professors, lectures and teachers use their home-grown talent and their successful endeavors as topics and subjects for their classes.  The University of Glasgow, established in 1451, combines old traditional Scottish architecture with new modern structures.  The iconic building on campus is the Sir George Gilbert Scott building with a magnificent tower and spire that can be seen from miles around.  The campus sits on top of Kelvingrove Park allowing for a variety of beautiful city views. 

Sir George Gilbert Scott building, the iconic structure of the University of Glasgow, as seen from Kelvingrove Park.

Sir George Gilbert Scott building up close.

Sir George Gilbert Scott building up REALLY close.

Inside one of the building's chambers

Interior design.

Courtyard at the University of Glasgow

View of Kelvingrove Park from the Sir George Gilbert Scott building.

Down the street from the university is the West End area, a popular part of town with cafes, restaurants and shops. This building housed several of the more popular spots.

Within Kelvingrove Park was a skate park.

 

 

After lunch at the university cafeteria and a tour through the fitness fields and facilities, I walked back into the city center to learn the history of Scottish bagpipes.  In 1996, the Piping Centre was opened in the heart of Glasgow as a way to promote the study and history of piping in Scotland.  I took a brief tour of the National Museum of Piping, which lasted all of 15 minutes, but I didn’t feel like I got my full fix of bagpipe lore.  I knew the Piping Center hosted classes and lectures, so I inquired about one-on-one lessons.  They said they could do an hour lesson for 23 pounds…sold!  However, I definitely didn’t need an hour; more like 15-20 minutes.  I just wanted to get some basics, learn a few notes and be on with it.  I made an appointment for 3pm (it was 2:15 at the time). 

I went to the pub across the street to wet my whistle and came back 45 minutes later ready to blow some pipes!  Upon my return I was introduced to my instructor, Chris Armstrong and we made our way to the lesson room.  Not surprisingly they don't start you off on the full bagpipe gizmo with the multiple pipes and the little bag.  Instead they give you a little plastic flute-looking thing called a "chanter."  You practice on this thing for six months (if you really struggle you'll be on this for as much as two years).  As expected, I was terrible, but I definitely had fun.  After about a 20-minute one-on-one lesson and a brief walk around the facility, I said my thanks and good bye.  What I came to find out from the nice girl at the centre's front desk was that my instructor Chris is a world-class bagpipe player who just got second place in last week’s World Pipe Band Championships.  He’s the "Pipe Major" (band leader) of the Scottish Power Pipe Band.  He also just came out with his second album of original bagpipe music.  Basically, I got a one-on-one lesson from one of the best bagpipe players in the world and I didn’t even know it.  It'd be like coming to Los Angeles and walking into Dodgers Stadium to learn about baseball and Matt Kemp is around to give you a hitting lesson.  Pretty amazing.  Here's Chris' site: www.ChrisArmstrongMusic.com. 

The front of the Piping Centre.

Exhibits at the National Museum of Piping.

More displays at the National Museum of Piping.

My lesson room...

Me and my chanter...I first had to learn the finger positioning...

Then I had to learn a few notes...this was as far as I got.

Walking around the facilities allowed me to see some more advanced students such as this guy who was working on how to better control the amount of air in the bag.

My instructor and world-class pipe player Chris Armstrong.

Once I recovered from being light headed from all the air I was blowing, I went to the Gallery of Modern Art (aka GoMA) to get a fix of new-age Scottish culture.  I’m not one to criticize, but I was less than impressed with GoMA.  I did a quick walk through the four-story building and decided my time would be better spent shopping.  My shopping spree was far from traditional though.  I was on the hunt for something more Scottish, something with heritage…a Logan family tartan!  My middle name, also my grandmother’s maiden name, is Logan.  Logan is a Scottish clan that dates back to the 13th century and we have our own plaid pattern and family crest.  While in Scotland I was hoping to get a blanket, scarf or anything with the Logan family plaid pattern or crest.  I bounced around a few stores and was able to find two items – first was a Logan family crest pin which is identified by a passion nail piercing a human heart and the heraldic motto HOC MAJORUM VIRTUS, which translates to "this is valour of my ancestors." The second was a shoulder throw with the Logan plaid pattern (it can be used as a scarf)…mission accomplished (however, I’d still like to get a blanket).  Also, on my shopping route I ran into the Celtic FC team shop and loaded up on team gear for the big match on Wednesday. 

The front facade of the Gallety of Modern Art.

Buchanan street, one of Glasgow's best shopping streets.

I found a book with a brief history of the Logan clan and it's tartan. 

The Logan Clan crest with the passion nail piercing a heart.

Logan tartan!

Celtic FC team store.

Inside the Celtic FC team store.

 

With a bit of Scottish heritage under my belt it is time to focus on what I came to Glasgow for, CELTIC football!  Wednesday is sports day in Glasgow.  I’ve got a tee time at 10am at a course just outside Glasgow called Haggs Castle and Wednesday evening is the big Champions League soccer match between Celtic FC and Helsingborgs of Sweden (7:45pm kickoff).  Go Celts!