Glasgow had already sustained ancient Celts and Roman settlers before its Cathedral was commissioned in the 6th century, attracting a stream of new residents. Threatened during the Reformation, the church was spared due to protection from its congregation. Since 1451, the city's other major institution, the University of Glasgow, has encouraged enlightenment, and many a fine idea has been hatched in one of the several public parks in the green city.

Residents speak a curious dialect known as the Glasgow Patter, which combines rhyme, slang and common references in an oddly lyrical style. Mad for football, the city held the first-ever international football match in 1872 against England, the results of which were a 0-0 draw. Memorabilia from decades of players and their fervent fans are housed at the Scottish Football Museum. More traditional collections may be found at the Kelvingrove Museum, the People's Palace and Winter Gardens and the Burrell Museum. The Merchant City houses entertainment in history, and its terraced, Georgian streets have been transformed a centre for shopping, dining and the arts.