Next to the futuristic structure sits the 50m-tall Finnieston Crane (or
‘Big Bertha’ – Glaswegians love nicknames), completed in 1931 and used
to lift trains on to ships. Almost a quarter of the world’s trains were once
constructed in Glasgow.
Ships & Towers
Also in this area is the 19th-century Tall Ship, one of five sailing ships built on
the Clyde still afloat. Across Bell’s Bridge on the South Side, the Glasgow Sci-
ence Centre is overshadowed by the tallest free-standing tower in Scotland.
The 127m Glasgow Tower adapts to changing winds and is the only tower
in the world that can turn 360 degrees. If you don’t fancy the 2½-minute,
100m-plus ride to the observation deck (which closes when winds top
64km/h), check out Scotland’s only IMAX cinema.
Head Scan
Under the Science Mall’s sweeping titanium roof, hundreds of interactive
exhibits release science from the realm of test tube-waving boffins. Look
out for the illusions (like rearranging your features through a 3D head scan)
and the cloud chamber, showing tracks of natural radiation.
To the west, where the Kelvin flows into the Clyde after meandering
through the West End, the £1.2 billion Glasgow Harbour development
promises to be a 52-hectare nirvana of waterfront apartments and
reconstructed Mackintosh tearooms.
Ply the Clyde
The Waverley, the last ocean-going paddle steamer in the world, departs
from the Glasgow Science Centre for summer cruises to the Firth of
Clyde and beyond. Higher adrenaline jaunts are available in Seaforce’s
jolly red powerboats.
Study Glasgow 29
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