WHEN I think of Glasgow, I often think of a modern, vibrant city with new buildings rivalling some of the most elite architecture in the world, a city with brand new state of the art facilities such as the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome.

However, as well as the new and modern, let's not forget our city has so much historical and cultural significance, which is right here under our noses – often without us even realising it.

Glaswegians, or those visiting, can easily spend an entire day in the fantastic Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, which is one of Scotland's most popular attractions.

At the moment Kelvingrove is hosting Pharaoh – King of Egypt, an exhibition which showcases an amazing array of items from ancient Egypt.

And of course there are the permanent exhibitions on natural history, art and even a real Spitfire!

Our city is also home to the breathtaking Charles Rennie Mackintosh collection at the Glasgow School of Art. Tours of the Mackintosh Building at GSA – an architectural masterpiece – allow people to appreciate examples of Mackintosh's famous tile and ironwork, and see the newly opened Furniture Gallery.

Mackintosh's legacy is visible across the city, and his distinctive designs and artwork instantly remind people of Glasgow.

There is also an extensive collection of Mackintosh's work at the Hunterian Museum – which is itself one of Scotland's most important cultural assets.

Glasgow's importance in terms of culture extends back to early medieval times: Govan was the heart of the former kingdom of Strathclyde, and its main political centre.

The Doomster Hill in Govan was home to a parliament, showing how significant the city was.

Even though the Year of Creative Scotland has come to an end, it is still important that people across Scotland build on its legacy and visit the many cultural, architectural and artistic treasures that are all around us.

In Glasgow alone we have such an amazing array of collections but across the entire country we have a goldmine of great artefacts.

The Scottish Government appreciates the importance of Glasgow's cultural and historical attractions.

The Recognition Scheme, funded by the Scottish Government, makes sure that our city's most important collections are cared for and protected, and that as many people are aware of them as possible.

At the beginning of this new year, why not take your family, or invite friends, to one of the many museums and heritage centres that Glasgow is lucky enough to have.

The cultural significance of our city can easily be celebrated every day; in a lunch hour, after work or at the weekend.

That way you'll see for yourself that collections and exhibitions aren't just historical, they continue to tell a story of who we have become.