Confession time: I am a nerd. A legal nerd, to be specific. When I first moved to Glasgow and had…read morelots of free time (read: no job) I actually went to the High Court for a day to watch a trial. Because my life is just that exciting. More recently I was nearby to the High Court and needed the loo. I am pleased to say the staff here were really nice and accommodating and happily let me into the building. You need to go through security and they'll have a nosey through your bag. The building then has a main reception desk which is where you can go up to look at the court lists of the day (hint: don't ask reception to tell you which cases are the most juicy as they'll judge you severely). If you're in to observe proceedings, they follow very strict rules and guidelines. You can't eat, drink or use your phone in the courtroom so don't even think about looking at it. Stand up when the Judge enters and leaves the room, and some people chose to bow to the bench as a mark of respect. Going to court is never going to be exciting like it is on TV, but if you have any interest in the law I'd highly recommend going along to see the law in action. /Geek out ends.

Without wishing to sound *too* dodgy I have spent a silly amount of time hanging, wandering and…read morewaiting about in both the Sheriff and High Courts of Glasgow. Without a doubt the Glasgow High Court is the more glamorous and sexier of the two. Not only is it architecturally better looking but it is where, should you have the great (mis)fortune to be cited for Jury Duty, all the juicy/more interesting cases/trials are dealt with. Handily situated just slightly on the outskirts of town it is a bit easier to get to than the Sheriff Court also, being a bit closer to train/subway stations. To get to the High Court I find the best way is down King Street, heading away from town, past Mono/Mr.Ben and then to the left slightly, across the road, along Mart Street & you will soon happen upon the court. Should you need a drink to calm you doon after the trial then I can suggest Mono or The 13th Note for refreshing your TOTALLY INNOCENT thirst. Phew. Upon entrance to the High Court please be wary of donning your best heavy studded belt/dog collar or metal codpiece as, much like an airport/the O2 Academy/American High Schools, there is a walk-through metal detector & security guard on hand should you feel frisky, I mean, need to be frisked. The security guard also doubles as an Agent of the Info so they'll check your citation & direct you to what is essentially yet more Agents of the Info at the Reception desk. Here they stamp your citation & give you directions to your fate, I mean court room. Upon my last visit I was in a far far away court room (I almost half expected it to be named Narnia) & I managed to get successfully lost until I encountered more Agents of the Info who showed me my path to freedom/the court room. Please refrain from asking people that aren't AOTI for directions but are actually just VERY SMARTLY DRESSED FOLK/NON-AGENTS looking a bit sober/conservative as I did, this only causes to not only frustrate them but slightly embarrass yourself. There are plentiful (legal) toilets to be found within this court. There is however no jukebox or popcorn counter. There is possibly, if you're lucky, a vending machine somewhere for hot/cold beverages but I didn't happen across one here as I have in the Sheriff Court. The room we sat in for what felt like a small eternity only had a water machine. The court room I was in last visit was apparently the oldest one in the building being nearly 132 years old. It looked very grand indeed, although I guess if you're standing on trial being accused of something naughty the last thing you're going to appreciate is the historical architecture and ye olde cornicings of this said ancient court room. However me being of innocent standing I did do a mini 'Ooh!' in my head as I walked in. If you're a fan of funny wigs, pomp & ceremony, waiting around, wood, Law & Order, A Few Good Men or just the whole fascinating process that is the Scottish law proceedings then this is the place for you. I just hope you're only ever here in the bestest way possible and not because you are a rum'un (as my Mum would say).

Robert Brown is pretty much all right by me. Long ago, when I was involved in a community campaign,…read morehe did take the time to come and visit us, and he seemed genuinely interested in our efforts- not quite enough to get involved, perhaps, but he came across as willing to listen and interested. Of course, it is probably a question of how much you are engaged with politics, or whether you have a party political agenda. Since I tend to be cynical about all politics, I can only say that he appeared genuine, and willing to check things out for himself.

I recently had my car broken into and called the police (mainly for the incident report for my…read moreinsurance) not quite expecting anything except a here thanks. However they were very helpful, told me how to deal with the car, how to keep it secure, who to contact. Send round a CSI team and took prints and samples and were really nice and friendly.

I found this wee post office quite by chance, but I'm glad I did. It's a little bit out of the way,…read morebut handy if you're walking between George Square and Argyle Street (as I was). This is a typical combination post-office-cum-corner store deal, they sell cards, stationery, newspapers and small gifty things to distract you as you're waiting in the inevitable queue for the post office counters at the back. The staff seemed very cheery, even under the pressure of Christmas postings, and there was a good bit of banter going on between them, so it was difficult for anyone to get cross over the length of the queue. With all 5 counters on the go, things moved along pretty quickly anyway. Top tip - remember to go to the right when you enter as that's where the post office queue starts. It's difficult to see it behind the rack of cards and it is tempting to go down the left-hand side. But you'll be sorry if you do!

A well situated Post Office but by far the best one in the world…read more They do all the usual in here including envelopes and such, but I only go because of it's situation. It isn't characterised by great customer service. It's somewhere between the wee sort of Post Office you get stuck onto a tobacconist up the back and an actual wee shop. I use it often enough through paranoia that my letters dont get where they're going with the new size/weight specification for letters, otherwise I doubt I would ever bother going.

I'm so glad I was directed here for help in employment. I have endured struggle to gain work and…read moreI'm sometimes discrimated against. I've had so many rejections and sometimes it's been an endeavour to build up my confidence again. The Shaw Trust have remained such a great support thoughout the last few months and continue to be a great backing towards my employment. Everyone who I have met and worked with have just been so kind and helpful. They have even encouraged my ideas and this has led to funding for me to gain part time employment for a few months. So much better than signing on. Yay! The Shaw Trust have informed me that they will continue to keep in contact with me weekly making sure that I am ok and able to complete my hours. I love the fact that they don't abandon you once you start your job. It's such a great peace of mind to know that they will mantain their support and I can rely on them if any, which I doubt there will be, disrepancies arise. They are based on the fourth floor of the Centrum Building on Queen Street but please note that the lift, I do believe, has a mind of its own. It sometimes works and sometimes decides to go in the oppposite direction of where you want to go. I remember arriving with another couple of people on the ground floor a few times. 'Hi, to the people waiting on the ground floor, again'. Embarrassing! The reception is based on the first floor and I am always guided towards the lift. You can also be waiting on it for ages, a guy and myself one time eventually gave up. If you can I would advise taking the stairs but it doesn't half have you gasping for breath or is that just me?! Hehe! At least it's worth the journey in the end.

Up until a few months ago, I'd have classes this as the least friendly or efficient post office in…read moreGlasgow. The folks that worked here were unpleasant and unhelpful. Now though, the post office is franchised to the Spar that it co-locates with. Result being, it's the Spar staff who now man the post office counter. Which is great. They know what they're doing and they're just plain nice whilst they're doing it! Not much else to say really, it sells stamps, takes in packages and does most of the range of post office services. No bureau de change though.

You won't get very far as we were sternly instructed that we could only tour the first floor. But…read moreit's a pretty building that dates to 1888. It's not old by Scottish standards. Heck, it's not even old by American standards. But it's worth a couple of photos if you're in Glasgow and killing some time. The square outside is more photogenic than this building though.

I've long admired the City Chambers from outside on George Square and I never knew until recently…read morethat you could take a tour of the building (I'll have to try to book one soon). The building is certainly impressive from the outside and, if anything, it's even more so from the inside. I was there for a civic reception. It turns out that Glasgow City Council is very keen to welcome guests to the city, especially if they're visiting in large numbers for a conference or some similar event. To make them welcome the offer civic receptions, which involve the opportunity to visit the City Chambers for a glass of wine or two and some (mercifully short but very kind) speeches by Glasgow officials. You can see why they go to the effort. Some people from outside the city still hold on to old views that it isn't a very nice place. Nothing could be more effective at dispelling that myth than exploring the huge halls and marble staircases of the City Chambers.