Just want to know if you think Edinburgh or Glasgow would make a better capital city for Scotland.

Well I'm not going to vote because I haven't visited any of the cities properly. But I will tell you what I think anyway because I'm in a long winded post writing mood this evening (Oh hurrah!).

Edinburgh, from what I have seen, is a very classical city with old architecture and a real sense of the days when Scotland was great. Well, it still is great but I mean in the days when everybody loved the Scots (Believe it or not, there are few out there who would happily wage a war with Scotland or rebuild Hadrian's Wall). In terms of culture, I have not heard too much come out of Edinburgh - especially in more modern culture.

Glasgow has always, in my opinion, been associated with the modern Scotland. It has a cosmopolitan feel to it with modern culture and nightlife. But with that comes the feeling of a lack of history. And I like a city that can show off its history and modern day-ness like London. But I do think Glasgow does a better job of showing itself off.

All in all, I would say that I think Glasgow would have a very strong case for it but I would just prefer Edinburgh to have it because it is so entrenched in history and it shows that. It's a symbol for Scotland!

Just want to know if you think Edinburgh or Glasgow would make a better capital city for Scotland.

I reckon Glasgow is a much better place to live, the people are far more friendlier than the stuck up people from Edinburgh. However, it would be a bit silly to make Glasgow the capital of Scotland, when they have only just managed to finish off that monstrosity that is the new parliament.

I think Glasgow's a more enjoyable city, but think Edinburgh'd make a better capital city.

Edinburgh.

I've lived in Glasgow nearly all my life and I've never had time for those of my fellow residents who slag off Edinburgh (though I'm not suggesting that this has been the tone of this thread). Its a beautiful, incredibly interesting and iconic place, a genuine world class tourist attraction and serves as a terrific advert for Scotland.

Arguments about which city should be the capital only distract from really important issues such as why life expectancy in Glasgow lags so far behind Edinburgh; how transport links between the two cities can be improved; where should public instititions be headquartered such that employment opportunities are shared fairly around the country; why so many people in Glasgow continue to live in such dire poverty despite 10 years of a labour UK government, 8 years of labour-led Scottish executive, donkeys years of a labour led Glasgow city council.

This thread surprises me i've only visited glasgow once, and havent been to edinburgh in years. However my opinion has always been that glasgow is the asshole of scotland and edinburgh is the heart. Everything ive heard about glasgow has been about poverty and violence, whereas edinburgh is about the castle, history, classic architecture and modern living all in one.



The reason for this is probably that i used to know two guys from glasgow and they hated the place, i've also only been there on business whereas ive holidayed in edinburgh.



GLASGOW:

http://ubicomp.lancs.ac.uk/~strohbach/Photo_Gallery/glasgow-11-02-02/Glasgow%20City%20NE.jpg


EDINBURGH:
http://www.kristof-jazyky.cz/images/edinburgh_01.jpg

Is it even open to debate?

Edinburgh because it was the seat of Scottish power when the UK was seperated. Its also associated with the nicer things in Scotland, whereas Glasgow still has a bit of a bad reputation. Also the biggest city doesnt have to be the capital eg Canberra, Washington etc.

Stirling.

Glasgow, the best regional city in the UK. Edinburgh is a pretty small town, as is Durham. If you like cities and aren't as fuckwitted as some of those above you should love Glasgow.

It's architecture is superb, as it is cultural facilities, art galleries and museums and it has a sheer urban buzz about it unmatched by almost every other city in the UK.

Edinburgh is proper capital city material.

^^Very small, with a castle. So is Guildford.

why so many people in Glasgow continue to live in such dire poverty despite 10 years of a labour UK government, 8 years of labour-led Scottish executive, donkeys years of a labour led Glasgow city council

Well, maybe because Labour actually don't give a fuck about anything or anybody?

Just a thought. Back to the thread...

^^Very small, with a castle. So is Guildford.

Edinburgh... small?! No it's not! 400,000+ people is not small!

^^Very small, with a castle. So is Guildford.

Bollocks.

Edinburgh (489,000) has a larger population than the following:

Bristol
Bradford
Leicester
Wolverhampton
Coventry
Cardiff
Southampton
Portsmouth
Nottingham

800'000 people in the Lothians. A 1m+ travel to work area. A financial centre other regional cities can only dream of. An airport with 9m passengers a year. Its also a very, very wealthy city.

Edinburgh is a beautiful city.

Edinburgh

Both are very nice cities but I have always seen Edinburgh as the best city outside of London (and even then no far off). It is a more historical, cultural city than Glasgow and is more beautiful. It has always been seen as the nicer of the two - unless you are a Weegie - and is not short on much else. 5th largest financial sector in Europe, an unemployment rate that has been consistantly lower than the Scottish average for years, some of the best education places in the UK and one of the happiest places to live according to many polls. The only bad thing is the price.

Edinburgh of course

I think both cities have their charms and would both make good capitals for Scotland. Glasgow being a more modern city with a large financial contribution to the countries economy.
However Edinburgh is a classic city with fine architecture and a classical look about it but it also has a large financial district. Ive only had the pleasure of visiting Edinburgh and loved it. Hopefully will be able to visit Glasgow on a road trip with my mates. For now though I think Edinburgh as it has more history and charm with it's architecture etc.

Edinburgh may be tacky in the centre and may appear like any typical tourist town, but small it is not, and it has a good deal of 'real' urbanity, just not to the extent that Glasgow has.

I've not been to Glasgow, but I went to Edinburgh the other week, and I must say it's very grand (as grand as london in some parts), with its wide roads and tall classical buildings. It's also an extremely rich city.

I'm visiting glasgow next week, so hopefully then i'll be able to pass judgement, but for the moment I would say Edinburgh, as I don't think it should always be the biggest city that is capital. For example, if London was to get wiped off the face of the earth for some reason, I would say that York (or somewhere alike) should become capital, not Birmingham or Manchester.

Edinburgh should be the capital, for histoircal and traditional terms. You shouldn't really change capitals willy nilly.

But I do think much of Glasgow is very beautiful and a good place to live. I'm moving to Glasgow University in September :D

So twenty of you like twee, snobby pretentious twats rather than raw and creative urban vitality?

Glasgow's smiles better, as they used to say when naff sigs where new!

Yep To', Glasgow is. And this on a so-called urbanists forum. Dear me.

Maybes they like tartan gonks and shortbread. Takes all kinds.

Haha, sore losers.

Edinburgh and Glasgow are very different cities and neither is lesser or superior to the other, but Edinburgh is definetely capital city material.

Yep To', Glasgow is. And this on a so-called urbanists forum. Dear me.

Maybes they like tartan gonks and shortbread. Takes all kinds.

:lol: excellent!

Manchester planner... the thread is what city is best is it not? Glasgow leaves Edinburgh standing when it comes to real class, rather than old money and politics!

:lol: excellent!

Manchester planner... the thread is what city is best is it not? Glasgow leaves Edinburgh standing when it comes to real class, rather than old money and politics!

No, this thread is about which city should be capital of Scotland. That obviously can only go to Edinburgh.

Edinburgh 100%

Oooh this is such a tricky one.

It's so hard to understand how different Glasgow and Edinburgh are until you've lived in both.

They really are phenomenal cities, so rich with architecture, steeped in culture and blessed with beautiful geographic surroundings.

The basics are what you guys have already said - Glasgow is a much bigger, more vibrant city with a real big city feel to it. It's greater population is roughly 3 times larger than Edinburgh, and it shows - the city is alive 24 hours a day (seriously). It's nightlife is amazing, it's museums free and it's Arts/Culture heritage is untouchable. It's home to two of the worlds largest Football teams, has THREE stadiums with a capacity of 50,000+, two of which are UEFA five stars, it has the worlds tallest cinema, best shopping in the UK outside of London, 4 Universities and some of the worlds finest Victorian architecture and town planning (the rail system is a work of art). It's 30 minutes from Loch Lomond and the Campsie Mountains, and just another hour from Glencoe, probably the most beautiful mountain range in the UK. Crucially though, Weegies are well known for being some of the warmest, friendliest people in the UK - they are a different bunch altogether - an incredible people. But with this difference comes trouble - straying into the East End of Glasgow isn't always a good idea after dark; the city does have it's fair share of miscreants. However, and even more crucially, Glasgow's city centre has been named the safest in the UK by the metropolitan police, proving that the city is as safe as anywhere else, as long as you don't stray into places you shouldn't be going to anyway. It's a magnificent city, one that I could see myself living in for a long time to come.


And then you have Edinburgh. Undoubtedly one of Europe's most beautiful cities - the entire city centre is quite literally a work of art in it's own right. Everywhere you look, there is beauty, but it does come at a price - it's an expensive place to live. It's facilities are also world class - it plays host to Scotland's largest sports stadium, Murryfield, at 67,500, along with numerous other grounds. It also has a vibrant arts scene - the Fringe Festival is the Worlds largest arts festival and is quite literally a sight to behold - the entire city is transformed into one giant spectacle for an entire month. The city sports Scotland's finest (said through gritted teeth, lol) University. Coupled with an amazingly powerful financial sector - one that punches orders of magnitude above the city's size - It's a true leader in Europe, and recently played host to the Government Leaders Forum, which has been reported as the most successful in the event's history. It's surroundings are amazing - it's built all around a giant volcanic rock to begin with, and is surrounded by water on one side and hills on the other. There are countless vista's to be found all over the area, each sporting an equally beautiful view of the city. The Forth Road and Rail Bridges are nearby - the latter being one of the Industrial World's great achievements. You could spend a lifetime learning the ins and outs of Edinburgh's history - it's absolutely fascinating. The only part of the Edinburgh that isn't so glowing are its inhabitants. They genuinely aren't as warm or friendly as Glaswegians, something that becomes evident almost as soon as you arrive. It has it's fair share of social problems (although not to the same extent as Glasgow), with drugs being a huge problem due to the staggering amount of money to be found in the city. But that's neither here nor there - every city has problems. I love Edinburgh - it's quite frankly awesome. It's nightlife is great (but not as good as Glasgow's by a long shot), and it's the most incredible place in the world when the Fringe Festival is on. A truly brilliant city.




And so, my decision is pretty hard to make, but it has to go to Glasgow. I've quite simply fallen in love with the place - it has everything you could ever wish for in a city, and then more.

^^ Do i see the bias LOL

Definately Edinburgh

No, this thread is about which city should be capital of Scotland. That obviously can only go to Edinburgh.

Apologies MP.. I should have rad the thread properly from the start. Of course the capital should be Edinburgh... why would Glasgow want to infect itself by hosting third rate political no-marks (and their associated legions of public sector wallahs) dominating the place and bleeding its vibrancy dry?

Sound pretty happy to welcome them from Edinburgh (ie. Sports Ministry or whatever it is that is goign to Edinburgh and it wanting to hold the cultural one too).

I agree with the man-child, David. If I had to live anywhere else on this god-forsaken cess-pit of an island besides Liverpool, then Glasgow would be my choice. Edinburgh is like Bath with diplomats and a bigger attitude problem. If the guff-speaking work-slackers ever declared independence, then Glasgow would be the most forward looking and vibrant place for a capital IMO.

No question IMO.

Edinburgh!!

The only city in Britan to leave stunned by its beauty.

Only one city in Scotland can be considered a capital, Glasgow!

After all, it is Scotland with Style!

Edinburgh is to small (the 400,000 is bollocks, the Edinburgh based parliament have made Edinburgh’s bounders so large that there are probably more fields and cows in Edinburgh than there are houses and people, where as in Glasgow they are constantly making the boundary smaller.

Greater Glasgow is home to half the entire Scottish population.

Glasgow is the economic powerhouse of Scotland.

I just don't understand the point in asking.

Glasgow and Edinburgh are two very different cities, each with their own positives and negatives. Clearly some people would be happier living in one over the other, but that's just personal preference.

There's really no reason why Edinburgh shouldn't be the capital. It's been capital of Scotland for almost 600 years now, and had a royal presence there for a good few hundred years before that. It may not be the largest city in the country, but then neither are many other capital cities of the world. It is not some kind of planned capital like Brasilia or Canberra either. And neither is it that small a city. Edinburgh's population is fairly accurately around the 400,000 figure. The boundaries do include some villages that should really be in West Lothian, such as Ratho and Kirkliston, but they're not that significant, and crucially, it's doesn't include places such as Musselburgh or Dalkeith that form part of a continuous built up area. Sure, it's nowhere near London in terms of population, but it is significantly larger, and dare I say it important, than some of the examples given above, such as Durham. 2 out of the 4 largest British banks are headquartered in Edinburgh (RBS and HBOS), as are some other pretty major financial institutions, such as Standard Life and Scottish Widows.

And this supposed unfriendliness of Edinburgh is something I have only ever heard from people who live in Glasgow. I come from from the North West Highlands, about as friendly a place as you could find on this earth, and I have never felt Edinburgh to be a particularly unfriendly place since I came here four years ago. The people who own the newsagent on Forrest Road are fucking unpleasant and impolite, but that's about as far as it goes.

Now before I write this paragraph, if any of the Glasgow forumers accuse me of an anti Glasgow attitude, I would just ask them to read any of my 800 posts, the majority of which are in the Glasgow forum (there being no Edinburgh one). Glasgow is not the economic powerhouse of Scotland by any means. Its productivity per person is way below Edinburgh's, it's unemployment rate is far higher, as are the rates of people claiming benefits. And then there's life expectancy. Glasgow's largest company (Scottish Power) has a market cap of one fifth of that Edinburgh's largest (RBS), and Scottish Power is about to be taken over, to become the UK arm of Spanish power company Iberdrola.

God - I sound like I'm getting involved in one of the petty Manchester vs Birmingham debates.

Anyway, what would Glasgow have to gain by becoming the capital? A sense of importance? If that's the desire, then there are better ways to achieve it. New York is not the capital of the US, but it is certainly the economic base, and a major cultural one. Glasgow could achieve the same thing, by virtue of it being far larger than Edinburgh and having a better physical infrastructure. Given that Scottish Power seems a lost hope for a global utilities conglomerate, Weir Group (engineering), Thus Group (telecomms) and William Grant & Sons (privately held Whisky/spirits) would seem promising companies to become major players. SMG once did, but their management was incompetent, and they're nearly back at the point they were in 1991. Who knows, maybe Beanscene could become the next Starbucks or Peckham's a global chain of delis. I've been meaning to read Richard Florida's book The Rise of the Creative Class (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Creative_class) for a while now, and because I haven't read it yet, I may have it all wrong, but the current strength of the Glasgow music, theatre and visual arts scheme certainly seems promising.

To summarise - I can't think of any reason why Edinburgh shouldn't be the capital; or any reason why Glasgow should. Glasgow has the potential to become a really important city, which is in no way related to whether it has a debating chamber in it or not.

Shit I didn't read the first post properly!

I thought it was a straight forward "which city do you prefer" question.


Capital City? Edinburgh, obviously; Glasgow does not deserve, nor require such an accolade.


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Good post btw Maccoinnich - well measured as usual, but I have to disagree about the whole "people" thing: Glasgow is the warmer, friendlier place. Of that there is no doubt.

The economic prowess of Edinburgh is indeed unrivaled though, it's Europe's 4th most important financial centre after all!