Scotkart
POLLOK COUNTRY PARK
Pollok Country Park, 2060 Pollokshaws Road Glasgow, 0141 616 6410
The Burrell Collection (see page 19) may get a hefty load of the attention. but its home. Pollok Country Park. is worthy of attention itself for its many walks and extenswe wildlife. It is Glasgow's largest park and the only country park within reach of the city and can be reached by train from Central Station to either Shawlands or Pollokshaws West.
RIVER CLYDE WALK
Runs from Glasgow to New Lanark
This 40-mile walking and cycle route was completed in 2005. and follows the River Clyde from Glasgow to the Falls of Clyde at New Lanark. The river was the basis of Glasgow's prosperity when it became the second city of the Victorian Empire. and the journey encompasses Glasgow's past and present. from Broomielaw Quay. the scene of many an immigration to America. to the popular Science Centre. The central part between Victoria Bridge and the SECC is of particular interest. taking in some of the more distinguished bridges and a great vantage point to ponder the city's maritime heritage.
ROSSLYN CHAPEL
Rosslyn Chapel, Roslin, Midlothian, www.msslynchapel.org.uk
According to some Holy Grailers and bestselling novel The Da Vinci Code. the chapel walls of this ancient church hold clues to the whereabouts of the Holy Grail. Truth or bunkum. Rosslyn's role in the ancient mystery has gripped imaginations worldwide.
24 THE LIST 2-16 Apr 2009
ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA
Ocean Drive, Edinburgh, 0131 555 8800, www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk
Jump onboard at Leith Docks this Easter. and enioy a whistle-stop tom of the Queen's bedroom. or the royal honeymoon sune used by Charles and Diana. before going below deck and seeing the crew's cramped liVing quarters. The self-gUided audio tour lets yOu determine the length of your Visit. but don't miss the ‘wombat tennis'. and impressive artefact collection in the State Dining Room.
SCOTKART
Westburn Road, Cambuslang www.scotkart.co.uk
With two separate indoor circuits on the outskirts of Glasgow. Scotkart offers some of the most excmng go-kart racing in Scotland. Beginners or Formula One aspirants can book into practice sessions or sign up for a “grand prix' series which involves a minimum of five heats of five laps each. culminating in a ten-lap grand finale. Smooth concrete tracks. plenty of overtaking room. decent straights and even a bridge (on the Cambuslang circuit) help make the racing fast and dramatic. Phone in advance for booMng.
THE SCOTTISH FOOTBALL MUSEUM Hampden Park, Letherby Drive, Mount Florida, 0141 616 6139. www.5cottishfootballmuseum.org.uk
Glasgow IS a football city and this proudly maintained shrine is located at Hampden. Scotland's national stadium. which is located two miles due south of the city centre. Scotland was as important as any nation in establishing the modern sport. reflected by the memorabilia on display. including a ticket from the first international. played against England in 1872. and the world‘s first national trophy. 1873's SFA Challenge Cup. lnductions to the Hall of Fame include legends like Jimmy Johnstone and Jim Baxter and there's even a section about Scotland's colourful ‘Tartan Army‘ of supporters. Behind the scenes tours of the stadium are also available.
SCOTTISH GALLERY OF MODERN ART SCULPTURE WALK
Belford Road, 0131 624 6200 www.nationalgalleries.org
The gardens of the Scottish Gallery of Modern Art
ciiciimo A VIEW
From dolphins and seals to the birds and the bees, Scotland’s got it covered
Dolphin watching
Bottlenose dolphins are plentiful in the Moray Firth and the best land~bound Spot to see them is the Black Isle. The Dolphin and Seal Visitor Centre consists of a hut With interactive displays and Simulated dolphin nOises. so stretch your
le 5 and walk down to the seafront as well. Alternatively. continue northeast to Chanonry POint. another fav0urite dolphin-watching spot.
Gannet gathering
Dubbed the Iona of the East. Wildlife lovers and history buffs alike Will enioy this Show round- trip sailing to lnchcolm Island With Maid of the Forth. (See page 22.) Lying over a mile off shore. the 12th century monastic buildings of lnchcolm Abbey. a small visnor centre. gardens and delightful sandy beach all wait to be explored whilst the viewpoint provides a stunning panorama of Edinburgh and Fife. En route aboard the lnchcolm Ferry. tuck into snacks from the small bar whilst enjoying Views of the Forth Bridges and watching out for Wildlife including seals. dolphins and gannets.
Bird viewing
Sometimes called one of the seven wildlife wonders of the world. the Bass Rock. a mile off shore in the Firth of Forth can be visited by boat from the Seabird Centre and observed through one of two live-cams which show the 100,000 gannets who nest on the cliffs spectaCUlarly dive—bombing into the sea. The award-Winning Centre has a total of five live-cams showmg puffins. gannets and other birds in their natural habitats on islands in the Forth.
are well worth a visit even if you don't venture made the building. The grounds host displays of modern sculpture including the famous fUSion of turf and art that is Charles Jenkes' 'Landform‘. This gigantic piece takes up most of the area in front of the gallery. while across the road by the Dean Gallery local and international artists compete for you attention. Check out Dan Graham's crazy interactive ‘Two Way Mirror'. Tactile works in bronze. stone. wood and steel are interactive in a way that interior sculpture at this level daren't be.
SCOTTISH GRAND NATIONAL
Ayr Racecourse, 2-4 Whitletts Road, Ayr, 0870 850 5666
The premiere event on the Scottish National Hunt
calendar, on Fri 17 Apr. the Grand National always attracts a quality field, with the north's top chasers taking on their counterparts from the big stables in the south.