Throughout the 18th and 19th century, blonde sandstone was quarried in and around Glasgow, with the majority of the local sandstone used coming from Bishopbriggs and Giffnock quarries pre-1890. After the railway network had been established in Glasgow and across Scotland in 1890 it suddenly became a lot easier (and cheaper) to bring in sandstone from outside the city. The red sandstone you can see around Glasgow was quarried from Dumfries and Ayrshire and was used in construction of new buildings around the city from the beginning of the 20th century.Throughout the 18th and 19th century, blonde sandstone was quarried in and around Glasgow, with the majority of the local sandstone used coming from Bishopbriggs and Giffnock quarries pre-1890. After the railway network had been established in Glasgow and across Scotland in 1890 it suddenly became a lot easier (and cheaper) to bring in sandstone from outside the city. The red sandstone you can see around Glasgow was quarried from Dumfries and Ayrshire and was used in construction of new buildings around the city from the beginning of the 20th century.
Throughout the 18th and 19th century, blonde sandstone was quarried in and around Glasgow, with the majority of the local sandstone used coming from Bishopbriggs and Giffnock quarries pre-1890. After the railway network had been established in Glasgow and across Scotland in 1890 it suddenly became a lot easier (and cheaper) to bring in sandstone from outside the city. The red sandstone you can see around Glasgow was quarried from Dumfries and Ayrshire and was used in construction of new buildings around the city from the beginning of the 20th century. | Contributed

Did You Know?: 15 fascinating facts most Glaswegians don't know about Glasgow

Liam Smillie
By Liam Smillie

Digital Reporter

Published 13th Mar 2025, 15:15 BST

Here’s 15 facts we’re sure you never knew about Glasgow

Glasgow is a wonderful city - but it doesn’t reveal all its secrets easily, there are many old artefacts around the city that are puzzling to outsiders and Glaswegians alike, today we wanted to share some of the most interesting, little known facts about Glasgow.

From old remnants of Glasgow in a previous era to the reasoning behind our architectural heritage, take a look below as we explore some Glaswegian trivia.

These are all true verified facts but if you’re a bit more interested in the fictional world of Glasgow, check out our article: 15 urban legends in Glasgow that every Glaswegian should know.

How many did you know already? Do you know anything else most people don’t about the city? Let us know in the comments.

Café Gandolfi is one of the most respected cafe’s in Glasgow - known for its interesting interior and even more exciting authentic Scottish menu. The revolving doors are even older than the café itself, taken from the Grand Hotel at Charing Cross when it was demolished to make way for the new Glasgow inner ring road back in 1968

5. Remnants of a historic hotel

Café Gandolfi is one of the most respected cafe’s in Glasgow - known for its interesting interior and even more exciting authentic Scottish menu. The revolving doors are even older than the café itself, taken from the Grand Hotel at Charing Cross when it was demolished to make way for the new Glasgow inner ring road back in 1968 | Google Maps

The Clockwork Orange is the third oldest subway system in the world. Created in 1896, its only beaten by Istanbul (1875) and the London Underground (1863).

6. Glasgow has one of the oldest metro systems

The Clockwork Orange is the third oldest subway system in the world. Created in 1896, its only beaten by Istanbul (1875) and the London Underground (1863). | West Street Subway Station pictured in 1966. Picture: Wikimedia Commons

Fossil Grove is home to some old tree stumps that are around 330 million years old. Even older than the dinosaurs. You can find this hidden gem of Glasgow in the south west of Victoria Park at Whiteinch.

7. Home to one of the oldest tree fossils in the world

Fossil Grove is home to some old tree stumps that are around 330 million years old. Even older than the dinosaurs. You can find this hidden gem of Glasgow in the south west of Victoria Park at Whiteinch. | Fossil Grove Glasgow

Built for St Kentigern - or St Mungo, as he's also known - Glasgow Cathedral is mainland Scotland's most complete medieval cathedral alongside the oldest. It was the only Cathedral to survive the protestant reformation.

8. Home to Scotland's oldest Cathedral

Built for St Kentigern - or St Mungo, as he's also known - Glasgow Cathedral is mainland Scotland's most complete medieval cathedral alongside the oldest. It was the only Cathedral to survive the protestant reformation. | EyesTravelling - stock.adobe.com

Previous
2 / 4
Next Page
Related topics:Glasgow
Follow us
©National World Publishing Ltd. All rights reserved.Cookie SettingsTerms and ConditionsPrivacy notice