The Salvation Army has it's headquarters in the church hall between the big coop on the corner and…read morethe Royal Bank of Scotland. It's back door is just a stones throw from the Dalmuir Credit Union and you are always guaranteed a hot cup of tea at a price that doesn't make you need one. They have all sorts of sales and drive days so when you see the door open.Take a walk in.you wont be disappointed.

This attractive Partick church is the third oldest of the catholic faith in Scotland…read more It is used extensively by the area's Polish community and conducts its masses in the native language as well as in English.

st simons rc church is located in the west end of glasgow - not far from the famous art galleries…read moreand kelvingrove park it is the 3rd oldest rc church in glasgow - built in 1858, and since world war II has been a home for the polish community (c20k) - they have 2 masses in polish @ weekends

As Glasgow's Jesuit church, this could either be seen as the hub of the secret organisation that…read morerules the world, or a rather elegant building that offers slightly more intellectually stimulating sermons and, on Sunday, services with a superior choir. It is the home church of the Jesuit school, and is often populated by students at their worship, but it is open all day to visitors who either want to perform their own religious duties or marvel at the recent, and rather fetching, redecoration. The building has been restored to its original grandeur inside, with clean, bright walls and some lovely fresco style illustration. The masses are usually about an hour long, and do offer a more intellectual take on Christianity. Yet even unbelievers will enjoy the restoration, and the oasis of peace the building offers, as long as the school is not using the space

st aloysius rc church is located in the centre of glasgow just north of sauchihall street shopping…read moreprecinct and therefore very handy for shoppers/visitors/tourists a lot of money has been spent in refurbishment in the past few years - on the organ and on the beautiful frescos - and last month celebrated the centenary of the laying of the foundation stone it is well worth a visit - beautiful renaissance design modelled on the 'church of the gesu' in rome - lots of varied coloured marble the nearby jesuit-run schools/college are famous for their teaching tradition since 1859 and their choir & musicians perform at various masses the church services at christmas/easter are especially worth a visit

I was on my way past this church when an elderly chap offered me a free coffee, how can I refuse,…read moreas I walked in I was given a big hello by everyone. I was met with a small stall with two lady's dishing out the refreshments & selection of cakes. I enjoyed my coffee, it may not have been a starbucks or as good as the Steamie's but that wasn't the point, this was a place sort of meeting point for locals, elderly and just people in need. There was a donation box at the exit, I was happy to place a half decent contribution to their worthy cause.

This one is worth a visit. No crowds, no tourists, and garnering far less attention than it's big…read morebrother Glasgow Cathedral, this is what I like to see. Out of the way, lesser known stops that are equally stunning yet peacefully serene. A Neo Gothic Catholic church designed in 1814, the structure sits on the north bank of the River Clyde. A spectacular organ built in 1903 was relocated here in 1981, and the entire building was significantly renovated in 2009. A mirrored memorial stands outside the building dedicated to the Arandora Star ship disaster of 1940, the largest in the world dedicated to this disaster. Look for the 200-year-old olive tree in the courtyard near the memorial.

Situated on the banks of the Clyde, just across from the court, I have often popped in for a quiet…read morethink. Since my religious life has been reduced to visiting churches when the congregation are out, I haven't caught more than the end of a mass here, but I find it one of the more congenial spots for a little rest after shopping, a peaceful contemplation of life before going out for the night or a total tearful breakdown after getting dumped, again. St Andrews is nicely old fashioned: the pews are scattered with penitents and regular worshippers, spending time alone with their faith- or, as in my case, existential doubt. It has shrines, a sense of calm and plenty of spots for personal prayer. I find this an atmosphere far more conducive to prayer than the updating that many churches have embraced. It also has a good selection of prayer books and helpful texts at the back.

One of the finest designs by Glasgow's other great architect, GFC has a beautiful exterior that…read moredisplays Indian influences and a sharp, clear interior that expresses the rational revolution that inspired the Scottish protestant movement. Determinedly elegant and sparse, the austerity contributes to an atmosphere of calm, intelligent contemplation: perfectly in tune with the theology of the Free Church. Despite its city centre location, this is not a bustling church but one where thoughtfulness is valued: for anyone wishing to get off the increasingly kitsch treadmill of MacIntosh, it is more than worth a visit.

This was my #1 choice for Doors Open Day 2015. The grandiose, Greek façade of the GFC has peaked my…read morecuriosity for years, but I never thought to venture in as I thought it was closed to the public. The gravity of the building belies the warm welcome visitors receive from the congregation inhabiting the building. Like many a Greek temple, unfortunately this building is in need of some work. Entering into the vestibule, you'd be forgiven for thinking you are in just another church. It's fairly unspectacular & somewhat dated, but look at the pillars supporting the staircases at either end and you'll see the first sign that this building is a wee bit special. Entering through either of the double doors and you're immediately transported to a venue which could easily be a smaller sibling of Glasgow grand theatres. You're line of view is cut off by the overhanging balcony, before the space opens up in front of you. The yellow oak pews, striped with dark strips of mahogany, have buffeted by years of worshippers, the dark crimson paint on the walls has faded and is in need of retouching. The pulpit and organ are set on a stacked platform in front of the pews, the top of the organ reaching up almost to the gods themselves. The wooden frame of the organ has ornate carvings on either side and is peppered with a printed motif. What really gives this place it's character is the balcony and upper cornicing. As I arrived at the top of the stairs I came face to face with a small door (that's small to even to a person of my diminutive stature) which frankly looked like something out of a creepy fantasy/horror film. Turning away from the door to hell, I was immediately struck with the feeling of being in another place. Although I could look right down onto what would be the congregation and pulpit etc, the balcony feels abandoned and almost of a different era. Peeling paint, dusty piles of old forgotten books and broken handrails suggest that the upper levels aren't normally used by anyone. I really felt that I could be exploring an old, abandoned building, the light streaming in from the windows only highlighted the dust I was kicking up. Looking up, again I could see beautifully carved decorations running around the perimeter. Alexander 'Greek' Thomson was said to have been inspired by Greek & Middle Eastern themes, I saw hints of Asia (maybe that's just wishful thinking), whatever it is it's impressive. Sat upstairs, away from the crowds, so to speak, you get a real sense of the church's past. Looking up and down and picturing the yourself perched above St Vincent Street, you can only the gravitas the church must once have enjoyed, how different it once was to today.. Today the church is on a list of 100 most endangered buildings. The city has already been forced to buy and save it from ruin, I just hope that this rough diamond doesn't get lost to another developer or dilapidation.

The Cologne Chamber Philharmonia Vivaldi, Bach, Paganini et…read moreal Already down at heel, sadly recent economic events have left my birthplace looking more beleaguered than ever. I couldn't help thinking of Michigan A brief jaunt around the centre in search of parking did nothing to disabuse me of that grim notion. The Abbey, along with the imposing Town Hall, are testament to a once prosperous Paisley. Fortunately, the rain had stopped, replaced by warm, evening sunshine, and having parked a short distance from our destination, we had plenty of time to admire this 850 year old hidden gem, before the concert began. Well, I've been before - the last time we were treated to a guided tour by one of the elders, who was kind enough to escort us up the spiral staircase to the top of the tower. It might not look very tall from the ground, but I can assure you: It's a fair hike up those narrow stairs. Well worth the effort, though, as the the view from the top, of Paisley and beyond, is wonderful! Having already spent some time exploring the cloister, admiring the beautiful stained glass and the absolutely incredible ceiling, we were in need of some refreshment. Luckily, there's a wee tea room to the left of the entrance. Now, they don't do 'posh nosh' or flat whites, but you can expect a decent cup of tea or coffee at 1980 prices. And if I'm not mistaken, it's staffed entirely by volunteers. I've heard the organ - the acoustics of the Abbey are amazing - so I was really looking forward to the concert. Despite an almost full house, we were able to snaffle a couple of front row seats We were not disappointed. There were seven musicians in all and they were, without exception, very gifted performers. From the opening of Vivaldi's 'Winter', all the way to the encore of Paganini, Paisley's economic woes were temporarily forgotten. I won't try to explain how exhilarating I found the performance. It is music. Have a look at the links below and listen! http://www.kpk-info.de/ http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=llwfOsv8qfY A simple visit to the Abbey itself is a wonderful treat. The beautiful music helped create a truly memorable evening! Makes me proud to be a Buddy!

I doff my cap to the previous reviewer of this place, cheers Mary, the review was full, just not of…read moregrace!! Aye, so. Having grown up in the sunny climes of Paisley i can attest to the splendour that is Paisley Abbey. Now being of a non religious mind I've always felt a little like an interloper when stepping through these hallow gates, however once inside this is quickly forgotten as the wonder of the architecture and the feel of the place grabs you. A quick wander around the main churchy area and a good old nosey at the quite excellent stain glass windows etc works up just enough of a thirst to justify a trip to the wee tea room located in the "house" part of the grounds.....Its basically a gift shop with a couple of grannies in residence serving guilt free (fair trade) teas coffees and an assortment of biscuits...yum i say. All is priced very reasonably, as are the assortment of second hand books and gifty stuff. To be honest, Paisley as a place ain't got much going for it, sure the Uni is here, but in terms of purpose, all that left with the industries in the late eighties, nineties and noughties (i detest this term and will never use it again!). This however should not put you off a trip to this excellent piece of architecture and cool wee tea room......cheers Mary, i had almost forgot how much i liked being dragged to this place when i was a kid by my old maw when i'd much rather have been in Mc Donalds.....funny how things change!!