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).

Ok so important things first. Men in uniform, yes, yes, yes! Unfortunately none of the officers at…read moreJohnstone Police Station are remotely attractive. So if you are plotting an elaborate scheme to get arrested by some hot young police officer then I would commit your crime in another stations jurisdiction! I promise my dealing with the Johnstone Police Station haven't involved me divulgating in any illegal activity. However I did pay them a visit when I had £500 stolen from my bank account and they were extremely helpful. I mostly dealt with PC Jennifer Binnie and while I am sure she had much more pressing matters to deal with she happily let me rant away about my £500 and promise she would alert the "fraud squad". Now at this point I did think she was making fun of my dilemma, Fraud Squad? That can't exist surely? Do they work closely with The A Team? Apparently though the Fraud Squad is a really thing! I did get my £500 back thanks to my bank but I don't think the police ever caught the perpetrators. However it was still nice to be taken seriously. My only other dealing with Johnstone Police Station is to hand in lost dogs. For some reason I seem to come across lost dogs more often than the average person! The police are always very nice about it even though I'm not sure if that is what you are supposed to do with a lost dog!? They humor me anyway even if that's not the correct protocol!

Johnstone Police? not really an appropriate name for a bunch of incompetent, lacking in common…read moresense college kids. I had the misfortune to be attacked by a thug less than half my age and twice my size. Having been knocked unconscious by the first blow, I lay on the ground, totally unaware that this animal was still punching lumps out me while I lay prone on the pavement. Apparently the thug was dragged off me before I suffered possible fatal injuries. As it was, I had six broken ribs a collapsed lung and a dislocated shoulder and spent several days in hospital. And what do our wonderful boys in blue decide is an appropriate solution to the complaint of a disturbance? Yes you guessed it. They charge both the assailant and myself with having committed the offence of having a stand up fight in public?, and issue us both with a fixed penalty of a £40 fine. Needless to say I never paid, while my assailant knowing he had got off lightly paid his fine immediately. Now as though that doesn't sound bad enough. I am registered disabled and suffer from angina, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and arthritis. I was 58 years old at the time of the offence, also I have never been in trouble with the Police in my life. . My assailant however was a 26 year old builder who was built like the side of a house. He also has several convictions for assault. Did these stupid Police Officers not look at this and think . Mmm wait a minute something is not right here especially when twenty people watched the incident and not one person would speak out for fear of recriminations from this thug. I was in agony for almost a year afterwards and made several; complaints about the Police handling of this case. Eventually an Inspector Patterson conceded that the case had been handled wrongly right from the start and that my assailant should have been charged with a serious assault. Three years on I have just been awarded a five figure sum in criminal injuries compensation, but that was no thanks to the brainless Police Officers from Johnstone Police Station who couldn't work out why an old disabled man would not get involved in a brawl with a strong young hoodlum. I shall refrain from naming the officer in question for the sake of his career. But you know who you are PC. H.. ..Johnstone Police? pathetic. On the positive side , a PC Lyle who was on his very first shift as a Police Officer at the time of my assault and who was later called as a witness at my criminal Injuries appeal, answered all the question put to him by the criminal injuries board completely honestly , despite this raising questions as to his colleagues handling of the case on the night in question. His honesty and integrity ensured that I received the compensation I was due. Thank you PC Lyle.

Great place to visit, these lot run a great programe for youth groups called fire reachread more

Great job, love your work ,got the place looking really well, (all areas) especialy coatbridge…read morecountry park 1st class service

Whiteinch library is a historical place. Not only is it a very old building, but inside there are…read morea few very interesting artefacts celebrating Glasgow's past, with many photographs of local streets and buildings from the early 1900s to the '60s. There is also a display case about the Boy's Brigade, with old medals, photographs and clothing from back in the day. Although an old building, Whiteinch Library is quite modern inside. As well as tables and chairs in a quiet room ideal for studying students, there are a few computers with free internet access. The fact that you don't have to book these in advance and can just jump on any time makes is great - unlike Partick Library where you have to book. With only a few computers you'll be lucky to find one spare though. There is a large, separate children's room, as well as the main room, which has a great selection of fiction and non-fiction books. There are also DVDs and CDs that can be rented out. Ironically, even though one always expects a library to have a strict rule of keeping quiet, the librarians at the desk here were happily broadcasting their summer holiday plans to the entire room. As my old technical teacher used to say: "Cut the chat!".

Ah the memories! I was often in here as a mini human with my gran and it was always a treat…read more It's in a lovely historic building yet is modern and well equipped inside. There are a large selection of books, DVDs, videos, CDs, tapes and magazines. All easily accessible, well organised and extremely tempting. As Gordon has highlighted there are also computer and Internet services which are super handy. Surprisingly, this place is usually relatively quiet which means quick, service and your pick of the place. Ideal for finding a cosy corner to get some work done in peace and quiet. Just as long as the librarians aren't discussing their weekend or holidays...

Otago Lane is a wonderfully bohemian little lane in the West End of Glasgow. It can be found a few…read moreminutes walk from Glasgow University and the Kelvinbridge Subway Station - and homes such businesses as Tchai Ovna, Voltaire and Rousseau Books and Mixed Up Records. The lane also has a small car park. This part of the West End is gorgeous - and is actually a conservation area. It's a wonderful place to have a wander to when you have a few hours to kill - you can have a rummage through the second hand book and record shops, get your watch repaired at the watch makers, and even sit outside with a cup of exotic tea at Tchai Ovna (you know, if it's not raining...) However, Otago Lane is currently being threatened by redevelopers who want to knock down the existing lane and build on the land. Obviously, there has been outcry at this - and there are many ways you can help to save Otago Lane, its independent businesses and its residents. If you head along to the lane's website via the link above, you will find information about petitions, protests and the developer's plans. Right, I'm off to sign the petition myself.

A cobbled street well-loved by the most right-on lefties in town, especially when their parents are…read morepicking up the bill, the trustafarians' paradise of Otago Lane is home to Tchai Ovna, Mixed Up Records, and a bookshop called Voltaire something something. It's very picturesque and sums up the West End in a way that makes me quite astounded they're thinking of knocking it down. The city is only just recovering from the destruction rained upon it by the town planning department in the 60s, and if they give the go-ahead to replace this street with a few flat-pack houses that will fall apart in a decade, christ knows what they'll be capable of next.

Spacious comfortable centre comprising Hillhouse Library a large hall and a reasonably sized room…read moreavailable for meetings and groups. Good facilities and well used by many groups. WHEB Credit Union are here on Tuesday evenings and Jobcentre Plus also hold various events here. Vending machines with drinks and snacks are in the foyer and staff are friendly and helpful. Modern facilities are also available as required. Noticeboard with lots of information is in the foyer.

This is one of those things where you're like, "Eh, it's just a garden, how nice can it be." Well,…read moreI'm here to tell you--it can be spectacular. I bought National Trust memberships for myself and my mom while she's here visiting, and I've found the properties to be lovingly kept by passionate and eager staff. If it's National Trust, it's worth a visit, however small potatoes it might initially appear. This is a place curated and maintained with real love...the lawn outside the old estate house is manicured to perfection, each blade of grass clipped to be nearly supernatural in its even- and neatness. Then when you get into the wall every shrub, tree, flower and leaf seems to have been arranged with a sense of how it will be most pleasing to the eye from every direction. There are several thoughtfully placed benches should you desire a contemplative moment, and every plant is clearly labelled. The staff are incredibly friendly and knowledgeable, and there is a small cafe and gift shop to finish off the visit. What is amazing is that this is so close to the city but it feels like it's deep in the countryside. Definitely well worth a visit if your just trying to take advantage of a sunny day or show off something unique to a visitor of our fine city.

This is indeed, one of Glasgow's best kept secrets - or was to my knowledge until about six weeks…read moreago. It, just so happened that the mother-in-law was coming to Glasgow for a weekend stay on her way to London. In her determination not just to stay in the West End and visit the boy's favourite pub - Curlers - she did some researching of her own. Alas, the three of us trundled along to Greenbank Garden before heading to mine for a home-cooked dinner. As unusual a situation as this was, being a cultural trip and all, it was extremely pleasant. Despite the time of year, the gardens were well looked after, presented and provided a nice change from Curlers. I also really enjoyed the chance to explore another The National Trust for Scotland adventure, which given my rather indirect degree is something that I have been increasingly open to in recent months.