Exploring the UK

An overview of: Glasgow


Where is Glasgow?

Glasgow is a city located in the west of Scotland, United Kingdom. It’s the largest city in Scotland and the fourth-largest city in the United Kingdom.


About the region

Glasgow is located in the west of Scotland, part of the Central Belt region known for its vibrant cities, diverse landscape, and rich industrial heritage.

The region offers a mix of urban excitement and natural beauty, with excellent transport links and a thriving arts and culture scene.


Transportation

Glasgow has excellent transportation links, providing convenient access to various destinations:

  • Car: Glasgow is well-connected by road networks, with the M8 motorway running through the city center. The M8 connects Glasgow to other major cities in Scotland, such as Edinburgh, and provides easy access to the rest of the UK. Additionally, the M74 and M77 motorways offer further connections to the south and west.
  • Train: Glasgow boasts a comprehensive railway network with several train stations, including Glasgow Central and Glasgow Queen Street. These stations provide frequent services to major cities across Scotland and the UK, making it an efficient mode of transportation for both local and long-distance travel.
  • Air: Glasgow is served by Glasgow International Airport, which is located approximately 8 miles (13 kilometres) west of the city centre. The airport offers a wide range of domestic and international flights, providing convenient air travel options for residents and visitors.
  • Public Transport: Glasgow has an extensive public transport system operated by Strathclyde Partnership for Transport (SPT). The city’s buses and subway network connect various neighbourhoods and suburbs, offering a reliable and accessible means of transportation within Glasgow.

Overall, Glasgow’s well-developed transportation links make it easy to get around the city and beyond.


Living in the area

Glasgow offers a wide range of housing options to suit different preferences and budgets. The city provides diverse neighbourhoods with various types of accommodation, including apartments, townhouses, and traditional tenement flats.

In the city centre, you can find modern apartments and converted warehouses, offering urban living with easy access to amenities and cultural attractions. West End and Southside are popular areas known for their Victorian and Edwardian townhouses. The East End and some suburban areas like Maryhill and Possilpark offer more affordable housing options, making them appealing for those seeking a lower cost of living.

The city provides a good mix of local shops, supermarkets, and recreational facilities, ensuring residents have access to essential amenities and leisure activities. Overall, the cost of living in Glasgow, including transportation, food, and entertainment, is very reasonable compared to many other places in the UK.

With its affordable housing options and relatively lower cost of living, Glasgow remains an attractive choice for people looking to enjoy an urban lifestyle.


Schooling

Glasgow offers a wide range of schooling options, providing diverse educational opportunities for it’s students.

  • Primary Schools: Glasgow has numerous primary schools, both state-funded and independent, catering to children aged 4 to 11 years. These schools follow the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence, providing a well-rounded education that includes core subjects like English, Mathematics, and Science, along with various other subjects like History, Geography, and the Arts. Parents can typically choose their child’s primary school based on their residential address, and there are various options available across the city.
  • Secondary Schools: At the secondary level, Glasgow provides a comprehensive range of schools, both state-funded and private. These schools continue to follow the Scottish Curriculum for Excellence, and students study a variety of subjects, including those required for the Scottish National Qualifications (National 4 and National 5) and the Higher qualifications. Glasgow offers both comprehensive schools and selective schools, known as grammar schools, which require an entrance exam for admission. This provides a variety of educational paths to suit different learning styles and aspirations.
  • University Level: Glasgow is home to several universities, offering a wide range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses. The University of Glasgow, founded in 1451, is one of the oldest and most prestigious universities in the English-speaking world. It offers a diverse range of academic disciplines and is renowned for its research excellence. Glasgow also has the University of Strathclyde, known for its strong focus on science, engineering, and business disciplines. Additionally, Glasgow Caledonian University and Glasgow School of Art are among the institutions providing specialised education in various fields.

Overall, Glasgow provides a comprehensive and diverse educational landscape.


Leisure

Glasgow offers a vibrant and diverse leisure scene, providing an array of activities for residents and visitors to enjoy. The city is renowned for its lively arts and music scene, with numerous theatres, music venues, and art galleries showcasing local and international talent. The SSE Hydro and the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall host concerts and events, attracting top performers from various genres. The city’s parks and green spaces, such as Kelvingrove Park and Glasgow Green, provide tranquil spots for leisurely walks, picnics, and outdoor activities. Sports enthusiasts can indulge in football, rugby, and other sports at venues like Celtic Park and Hampden Park. Glasgow’s bustling city centre offers an abundance of restaurants, cafes, and bars, catering to various tastes and culinary preferences. The city also hosts numerous festivals throughout the year, celebrating music, film, and cultural diversity.

With its lively atmosphere, cultural offerings, and friendly community, Glasgow provides a vibrant and exciting leisure experience for all.


Healthcare

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is one of the largest National Health Service (NHS) organisations in Scotland, providing healthcare services to the Greater Glasgow and surrounding areas. It is responsible for managing a wide range of hospitals, clinics, and community healthcare facilities, serving a population of over 1.2 million people.

The health board is headquartered in Glasgow and oversees several major hospitals, including the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital, the Royal Infirmary of Glasgow, and the Glasgow Royal Hospital for Children. These hospitals offer a comprehensive range of medical services, including emergency care, specialist treatments, and advanced surgical procedures.

NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde is also involved in medical research and education, collaborating with local universities and medical schools to train healthcare professionals and conduct groundbreaking research in various medical fields.


Relocation support

How do Doctors Relocate assist with your relocation?

In addition to providing personalised career guidance, facilitating interviews and managing negotiations to secure the right job opportunity for each individual, we offer ongoing relocation support to our candidates, helping with practical matters such as accommodation arrangements, banking, and setting up other essential services.

Our dedicated team is readily available to address any concerns or queries that you have along the way, ensuring that you feel supported and confident throughout your relocation.

With our guidance, you can confidently navigate the relocation journey, focusing on your professional and personal growth in the UK.

Your essential reading list: Top blogs to help with your relocation to the UK

Moving to the UK: Planning and packing tips

Driving in the UK with an overseas license

Buying a car in the UK

The UK education system

School Holidays in the UK

Supermarkets and grocery stores in the UK

Public holidays in the UK

International airports in the UK

Urgent and emergency care services in the UK

Useful information and contacts in the UK

Registering with a GP and Dentist in the UK

Childcare in the UK

Arranging accommodation in the UK


If you’re a doctor interested in NHS positions, please contact our team to discuss the opportunities available to you.