THERE is more to Glasgow's East End than meets the eye - the area is dotted with landmarks and hidden gems.
THERE is more to Glasgow's East End than meets the eye - the area is dotted with landmarks and hidden gems.
Some - like the former Templeton carpet factory - are supreme examples of classical architecture.
Others have seen better days and are in need of some tlc.
On the final day of our special East End series, we take a whistlestop tour of some of the places that make the area stand out.
GLASGOW GREEN
The undoubted jewel in the crown. It has the distinction of being the Dear Green Place's oldest park, gifted to the city by James ll in 1450. Bonnie Prince Charlie camped his troops there, Rangers played their first match in 1872, the city's original "Steamie" was established on the Green and it was the scene of public executions.
It was also the site of the original Glasgow Fair and nowadays is a popular place for Glaswegians to relax.
PEOPLE'S PALACE
The museum, opened by the Earl of Rosebery in 1898, was intended as a cultural centre for the people of the East End, most of whom lived in poverty and overcrowded conditions. It lives up to its name, telling the story of Glasgow over the centuries through the lives of its people.
The attached Winter Gardens contains tropical plants and - near the front door - the spectacular Doulton Fountain is the largest terracotta fountain in the world and commemorates the reign of Queen Victoria.
TEMPLETON CARPET FACTORY
The story goes that the wealthy merchants who lived in the grand houses which once stood in Monteith Row did not want to look out over a traditional factory - so the Templeton carpet factory was designed in the style of the Doge's Palace in Venice to keep them happy.
It is one of the most architecturally striking buildings in Glasgow and nowadays occupied by offices and a German brewery.
THE BARRAS
The flea market in just off Gallowgate has its detractors but it is world famous, photographed by thousands of tourists and is a true East End institution.
It was established in the 1920s by street trader Maggie McIver and has for decades offered cut price goods to the less well off in society.
At weekends the market is heaving but - with the council having just closed Paddy's market - how long it can continue in its current form is a matter of debate.
BARROWLAND BALLROOM
Bob Dylan, David Bowie, Elvis Costello, The Smiths, Alice Cooper, Justin Timberlake and many more top class acts have all performed in this Gallowgate venue famous for its neon sign but now looking a little tatty...
In the heyday of dancing it was a favourite haunt for courting couples and in the 1960s gained notoriety as the place where Bible John picked up his victims.
SARACEN HEAD
The "Sarry Heid" as it is popularly known has been serving drink since 1755 - not quite the oldest pub in Glasgow. Don't expect to find opening hours posted on the door, the place only opens when the licensee sees fit.
It has supposed to be haunted and its customers over the years have included Robert Burns, William and Dorothy Wordsworth, Dr Samuel Johnson and James Boswell.
The Economist Adam Smith was one of many to have been thrown out - apparently for swearing at Dr Johnson.
BELLGROVE HOTEL
When it was built in the 1930s the Bellgrove Hotel in Barrowfield was a fabulous art deco structure - in the same style as the Beresford building in Sauchiehall Street.
Some years ago it was converted into a model lodging house for the less fortunate in society. It is still an architectural gem but is in a sad state of disrepair.
CELTIC PARK
To half the population of Glasgow this stadium is "Paradise". The original home of Celtic FC was opened in 1888 but it has undergone major changes in recent years, making it one of the most impressive grounds in Britain with a 60,000 capacity.
Statues to the club's founder Brother Walfrid, and arguably its greatest ever player Jimmy Johnstone, stand at the front entrance.
TOLLCROSS PARK
A true hidden gem - a green oasis created for the people of the heavily industrialised East End to relax. It has a mansion house and a glasshouse and is famous for its collection of roses.
At 96 acres it is one of Glasgow's biggest parks and youngsters can enjoy the glen nature walk, children's farm, zoo and nearby Tollcross Leisure Centre.
COIA'S CAFE
Another East End institution, Coia's in Duke Street, Dennistoun, has been serving Italian food, drink and famous home-made ice cream since 1928.
People from all over the East End and beyond flocked to Coia's - many still do - for an ice-cream and a coffee. For many a date at Coai's was part of their courtship.
GLASGOW NECROPOLIS
Billy Connolly once said: "Glasgow's a bit like Nashville, Tennessee. It doesn't care much for the living, but it really looks after the dead."
A visit to the magnificent statues and tombstones in Glasgow's Necropolis bear out Connolly's observation. It is dominated by a statue of John Knox placed on a 58ft sandstone Doric column.
More than 50,000 people are buried in the Necropolis gives outstanding views to the site of the former Duke Street prison, Glasgow Cathedral and Provand's Lordship, Glasgow's oldest surviving building.
