Founded in 1451, University of Glasgow is the fourth-oldest in the UK & the second-oldest in Scotland, with more (architecturally) 'listed' buildings than any other university in the UK. Originally located in the High Street in Glasgow City Centre, UofG was relocated in 1870 to its current location in Glasgow's West End. At that time, the West End consisted of countryside, farms, & country-houses of Glasgow's most wealthy citizens, & adding UofG to the area was a significant part of the city's expansion, by adding the academic elite to the location's social landscape which expanded the horizon for those who might have otherwise remained in City Centre.
*Lots of COP26 events (a selection & link to the full listings below) - & a perfect place for quiet solace in the midst of the city.*
Though it was founded over 500 years ago, UofG is one of those schools working diligently to be a true university of today & of the future.
- 1st UK university to declare it will divest from fossil fuels within the decade
- Awards - Stonewall Diversity Champion (www.stonewall.org.uk) / Athena SWAN award holder (gender-equality charter)
SUMMARY (because the UofG website is vast)
Tours available :
Guided tour - https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/visit/attractions/guidedtour
Self-Guided tour - https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/visit/attractions/tour (suitable for individuals & small groups only)
Sites to note on campus..
- The Welcome Point : visitor information centre based in the McIntyre Building (beside the University’s Main Gate) with friendly staff on-hand to answer questions, give advice, & provide directions relating to the campus.
- The University Chapel : designed by Sir John James Burnet with stained glass windows by Douglas Strachan, it's one of the few locations in Scotland where marriages in both the Protestant & Catholic faiths can be celebrated.
- The Lion & Unicorn Staircase : created in 1690 by stonemason William Riddel, part of the original UofG campus in the city’s High Street. When UofG relocated to its present site here at Gilmorehill in 1870, this staircase was brought over stone by stone, by horse & cart, to be rebuilt by hand & made part of the new building. The lion & the unicorn are symbols of the UK : the lion, the national animal for England / the unicorn, the national animal for Scotland.
*Accessibility note - official UofG statement :
"The University strives to make all our campuses accessible to all
users. We understand the importance of enabling access to accurate,
practical information on the accessibility of our physical estate but
recognise users may encounter limitations around our main Gilmorehill
campus, due to the historic hilltop location. We’re committed to embracing diversity & difference & treating our colleagues, students, partners and others with respect. We want our campuses to be inviting, secure & comfortable
environments for all. We recognise that increasing opportunities for
anyone who wants to engage with our campus community & facilities is a
benefit to everyone."
More info via..
UofG's Website
Homepage - https://www.gla.ac.uk
Accessibility - https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/accessibility
Sustainability (overview & projects) - https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/sustainability
Climate-related UofG research :
- https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/sustainability/research/costofmusic (UofG study revealing "The price of listening to recorded music has never been lower, while the environmental cost has never been higher")
- https://www.gla.ac.uk/explore/sustainability/research/dynamiccoast (Dynamic Coast: a project informing policy around coastal flood & erosion management)
Twitter
- https://twitter.com/UofGlasgow
- https://twitter.com/UofGCulture (many events listed via here)
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/uofglasgow
A selection of COP26 UofG events :
- Urban Design & Health Inequalities (Fri 12 Nov 10:00-11:30) - *COP26 Green Zone event* with short video exploring how built environment features, including natural spaces, in cities are associated with improved health & reduced health inequality (https://www.gla.ac.uk/events/listings/index.html/event/12230)
- Prayers with Songs from Taizé (Fri 12 Nov 12:00-12:45) - An in-person event, part of a week of collective action, prayer & music for students & young people, led by two brothers from the Taizé Community France
- Catholics & COP26: Artists, Activists & Academics on Climate Justice & the Integrity of Creation (Fri 12 Nov 19:00-20:30) - *Online* Video-on-demand-cast recording available on Theology & Religious Studies Youtube channel (https://www.gla.ac.uk/events/listings/index.html/event/12258)
& MANY others!
