PRoBE 2009 Conference

The Locale

The cities of Glasgow, Edinburgh and Stirling and the prominent town of Perth offer a range of places of interest, famous sites, shops and the arts.

Glasgow has a world of attractions to explore, the UK's finest Victorian architecture to astound, internationally acclaimed museums and galleries to inspire as well as Glasgow's own unique cosmopolitan atmosphere to soak up. The city's Victorian skyline - neo-classical spires and glowing sandstone - blends seamlessly with the 18th century Merchant City area, the sensuous art nouveau and the minimalist glass and titanium of contemporary Glasgow.

Glasgow became a wealthy city in the 18th century through the tobacco, sugar and cotton trade. Then in the 19th century and 20th century, Clydeside was the world's leading manufacturer of ships and locomotives; in fact the 'engine-room' of the British Empire. Amongst many attractions in Glasgow, the highlights are the Burrell Collection, Pollock House, the Peoples' Palace, Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Hunterian Art Gallery and Museum, the Transport Museum, the Mitchell Library, and Glasgow Cathedral as well as a range of shops second only to London, in the UK. See Glasgow.

From medieval times Stirling was strategically the most important place in Scotland. All key North-South routes passed through Stirling, and so it was known as the Key to the Kingdom. Stirling has a famous connection with the William Wallace / Robert the Bruce era, and visitors can see the Wallace Monument, Bannockburn Heritage Centre, the Castle, and Stirling Old Bridge.

Perth was an ancient capital of Scotland and has seen some of Scotlands most historical events. Perthshire has many attractions including Scone Palace, and Perth Museum and Art Gallery.

The current capital of Scotland is Edinburgh, which is renowned for its awesome Castle housing the Crown Jewels of Scotland and the Stone of Destiny. There are many art galleries in the city, housing academic, impressionist and modern art, with year-round exhibitions. Other highlights are Linlithgow Palace, the Palace of Holyroodhouse, Hopetoun House, the Scotch Whisky Heritage Centre, Rosslyn Chapel (under which some claim is buried the biblical Arc of the Covenant and Holy Grail - brought to Scotland from France by the Knights Templar in medieval times), and the Royal Yacht Britannia.

Loch Lomond and the Trossachs is considered to be one of the most picturesque parts of Scotland. Well worth a visit, some sport and leisure activities available/possible there include Golf, Quad Biking, Falconary, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Hillwalking, Waterski, Canoeing, Sailing, and Horse Riding.

Glasgow Caledonian University in Glasgow City Centre is easily located.