I've only been to one funeral so am by no means an expert. However, it was as pleasant an…read moreexperience as it could possibly have been. The co-op offered a budget funeral at extremely short notice and managed to arrange everything that was required. Thanks to them, the day went extremely smoothly and the stress was kept to a minimum. The facilities they offer are pretty basic but they are pleasant, comfortable and satisfactory. There are decent sized separate viewing rooms as well as a large service room. Most importantly, there was no sign of other families around. So, it felt less like a business and more private.

Thank goodness Alex Black was recommended to me from a work colleague. They went above and beyond…read morewhen another director let us down. They were compassionate acting quickly in taking care of my mum. Ian at the Maryhill branch was very kind to both my brother and I throughout.

This sandstone Celtic cross war memorial commemorates the people of Fairlie who were killed or…read moremissing in World War I (16 names) and World War II (11 names). It's found on the main road (A78) at the junction of Pier Road in the village, close to the Parish Church. I've driven past this memorial so many times over the years but today was the first time I got out of the car and went to see it properly. Certainly a very sobering experience, as it is any time one sees the lists of names of people who gave their lives in the two world wars.

Alexander Bannatyne Stewart (1836-1880) was Convener of the County of Bute. He was also flag…read moreofficer of the Royal Northern Yacht Club and Commodore of the Bute Aquatic Club. Sailing regattas usually ended with a magnificent firework display which was launched from the deck of Stewart`s own steam yacht. He was renowned for exotic flower cultivation, particularly orchids of which he was extremely proud. His country house was Ascog Hall on Bute (he also had a home in Glasgow) and he was interested in most things concerning the island. He was a well known, and even well loved, figure and gave a great deal of his money some thousands of pounds to the Robertson-Stewart Hospital and the Parish Church - as well as supporting many other local charities. Alexander also became a member of the Glasgow Institute of the Fine Arts, having a great love of contemporary paintings He also collected early jewellery, illuminated manuscripts and many other beautiful things. Stewart's statue stands in part of the Winter Gardens beside the Esplanade and and is one of the first things you see when making your way along the seafront after leaving the ferry.

Adjacent the Glasgow Cathedral stands the Necropolis, a hilly Victorian-era cemetery loaded with…read moreelaborate headstones and mausoleums. From the William Wallace memorial at the base to panoramic city-views at the top everything is somber but well-manicured. Free to enter from dawn until sundown.

On the surface, cemeteries seem like odd places to put on a holiday itinerary. But some are so…read morehistoric and culturally significant that they deserve attention as attractions in themselves. This one falls into that category. But there are other reasons beyond that to visit. This particular cemetery is a standout for multiple reasons. One is the fact that there are a few historically significant people who are buried here, such as William Miller, Charles Tennant and Lord Kelvin. It is, after all, the iconic cemetery of a longstanding city as it is the one that comes to the mind of local Glaswegians if you simply refer to "THE Cemetery". The second is that the layout of the cemetery presents an exploratory experience like few others. Spread out on a fairly steep hill, the grounds themselves allow a wondefully quiet, though somber, respite from the city. And last but not least, because of its elevated position, the views of the city from the Necropolis are worth a visit even if the historical significance is of no appeal to you. Wandering through the gravesites amidst the quietude is a rather enjoyable experience in a strange way. I always enjoy reading the epitaphs and admiring the architecture of elaborate gravestones in cemeteries such as this one. The relaxed feel also allows for quiet reflection. But the view of the city here is unbeatable. Be prepared for some mild exertion because there is a bit of a rise from the entry as you cross the bridge to the apex. The grounds also do cover some acreage, so it will be a nice calorie-burning venture if you hike the perimeter and interior. Even if you are not into cemeteries, I'd recommend a stop at this place, particularly if you are going to visit the Cathedral and its satellite museums anyway. The view will give you some nice memories and photos. And the quiet will give you a chance to catch your breath. If you have an historical bent, then this is a must-see.

I often walk past this attractive memorial fountain, which is found in Kay Park, on my way to town…read more It was erected by McDowall Steven & Co Ltd in 1902, is painted cast iron on a stepped base and decorated on all four sides. There are lions' heads and deep water bowls with ornamental taps on each side. On the north and south facings there are panels with the relief inscription, Presented to his native town by ex Baillie James Craig of Hillhead and Dean in Commemoration of the Coronation of King Edward and Queen Alexandra 1902. On the east (main) side, there is an E&R crown with a bust of King Edward VII; on the west (rear) side, another A&R crown and a bust of Queen Alexandra, and on the south side is the maker's name plaque. On the top there's a gilded falcon and crown resting on thistles.

This lovely statue of Robert Burns and his printer, John Wilson (who printed the first edition of…read moreBurns poems close to this very spot) was unveiled in the 1990s by Princess Anne. Sandy Stoddard was the sculptor, whose other works include the statue of David Hume on the Royal Mile in Edinburgh and the sculptured friezes in Buckingham Palace in the Queen's Gallery. This fine statue can be found just opposite the 'Burns Shopping Mall' and is well worth a look if you're in the town.

I've passed this memorial so many times but only stopped to find information about it this week…read more It's found in the middle of a grassy area beside the promenade, just south of the pier, and commemorates those from Largs who were killed in the First and Second World Wars. There are statues of men from the three services carved into the very pale stone. A square area surrounds the sculpture and there are three steps which lead up to it. The memorial bears the names of 85 men killed in World War I and 67 in World War II. It was sculpted by Kellock Brown of Glasgow (1856-1934) and unveiled in September 1921.