It should come as no surprise to you that the city of Glasgow has truly confirmed its status within the UK music scene. Whether its big-name greats like Pink Floyd or newcomers such as Pearl and the Puppets, they all flock to Glasgow in a hurried sweep to have the pleasure of playing to the never dull Glaswegian crowds. It is the this fact that some would argue is the key factor which gives Glasgow it’s status of greatness. With many venues, scattered around various parts of the city,whether small and intimate or large and brash,  it stands undoubted that Glasgow is generously accomadatiing to all kinds of acts.

The ABC (now aka the 02 academy), the Carling academy, the SECC and of course Hampden Football stadium all stand as famous music venues unique to Glasgow in their own right. However, it is the up-and-coming home-grown Glaswegian acts, such as Paolo Nutini and 2009 Orange Unsigned Act winner Tommy Reilly, who are  undoubtedly setting the music scene alight and truly attracting the positive attention Glasgow craves, putting the city on the map for its continuous generation of young, fresh talent.

It is the likes of Paolo Nutini and Tommy Reilly who relish the chance to return to their home city with the exuding confidence that they will be greeted with astounding pride, encouragement and support from their fellow Glaswegians. With Tommy Reilly recently deciding take the journey home and grace the ABC, a venue he treasures fondly and one at which he spent most Saturday nights queuing outside during his teenage years, it is obvious that even those who have ventured far away into the very corners of the world maintain a nostalgic love for Glasgow in their hearts.

HOLLIE GALLEN, HOT-EL APARTMENTS.COM

I can safely say, without the fear of being rebuked, that the annual Edinburgh Festival has truly become an iconic staple within the Scottish, and of course British, calendar. Year after Year the fringe succeeds in satisfying the performance-hungry pallets of audiences from around the world who flock to the capital to catch the world-class festival.

And this year is no exception.

Scotland’s talent, culture, arts and of course it’s iconic historical site are what make Scotland such a definitive nation. The fringe is a prime example of this and a key event which the Scottish treasure and host with immense pride.

The 2009 Fringe has , without doubt, excelled previous years. With an incredible number of class acts gracing the stage across the city, the Fringe offers an experience unlike any other, an experience only Edinburgh could pull off with such ease. The festival organisers truly deserve commending. They practice what they preach and deliver what they promise every year without fail. What i believe achieves the festival’s greatness is not only the legendary acts which return to the festival every year but also the immense emphasis on the new young talent the British ,and of course nations around the world, proudly present to audiences across the city. So while i hope you festival-goers enjoyed a selection of your old favourites, i would like to think you took a couples of chances with your choices, experiencing the new and fresh talent the fringe plays host to. However if you didn’t, i could safely assume you thoroughly enjoyed every minute of your experience, soaking up all the festival has to offer you and hopefully you will be making a speedy return to the capital next year.

HOLLIE GALLEN, HOT-EL APARTMENTS

Tens of Thousands of daring revellers flock once again to the fields of Balado for this years t in the park this weekend. Yes,  July has arrived, bringing with it the much anticipated  festival season to the delight of ticket-holders. So as many young ravers get their Ray-bans and tents at the ready, an extensive line-up of many great acts prepare to rock the many stages of the festival and whip the crowd into a frenzy in the true T way. Such bands include headliners The Killers, Golden-oldies Blur,  rockers Kings of Leon and Paisley-born Paolo Nutini to name just a few. So if your lucky enough to hold a ticket, you can be sure to avoid disappointment this year with the great line-up preparing to set the stage alight. However, if the knee-deep-in-mud experience resembles your worst nightmare there is no need to fret, as you can catch all your favourite bands on the BBC with extensive live footage fronted by Festival veteran Edith Bowman and Radio One’s quirky youngster Nick Grimshaw. So be prepared to be enticed on a rock-and-roll ride as T in the Park returns for yet another summer.

HOLLIE GALLEN, HOT-EL-APARTMENTS.COM

No longer is Glasgow’s Hampden Park only famous for it’s footie. Yes, that’s right, Scotland’s home ground has truly justified itself as one of the greatest music venues in the UK. With big name bands such as the Red Hot Chili Peppers and most recently, rock gods ACDC, it stands undoubted that Hampden Park has made an astounding arrival on the music scene and, over the years, has cemented it’s future as Glasgow’s premier music destination. The atmosphere that swarms and circulates the stands is truly ecstatic and is thoroughly embraced by the extensive audience Hampden is equipped to play host to. All of this combined, makes it a venue many great bands aspire to play. And with world renowned band U2 preparing to land in Hampden for the Scottish leg of their latest tour, it can be said for sure that thousands of fans will once again flock to stands of the football stadium for yet another great music experience.

HOLLIE GALLEN, HOT-EL-APARTMENTS.COM

It is no secret that Glasgow, one of Scotland’s largest cosmopolitan cities is famous for it’s shopping experiences. Whether on a bargain budget or living the high-life with an extensive wallet, it remains undoubted that Glasgow succeeds in catering to all types of customer. Below is a condensed list of the top 5 shopping destinations in Glasgow:

1. SILVERBURN SHOPPING CENTRE:

This extensive shopping venue sits just outside Glasgow’s city centre. With it’s multitude of high street brands, including Topshop, Bank, Marks and Spencer and Kurt Geiger, and luxurious restaurants, vast parking facilities and child play areas, Silverburn offers a family friendly experience under just one roof.

2. BUCHANAN STREET:

Situated in the very heart of Glasgow, Buchanan Street offers even the most unenthusiastic of shoppers a delightful shopping experience. With many big- name brands such as House of Fraser, Molton Brown, Office and Urban Outfitters to name just a few, Buchanan Street proves to successfully provide a truly satisfying shopping experience.

3. PRINCES SQUARE,BUCHANNAN STREET:

Situated in the centre of Glasgow’s most popular shopping district, Princes’ Square offers a unique and luxurious experience which successfully caters to a variety of tastes. The venue plays host to many designer brands and restaurants. Designer brands which fondly call such an exquisite venue home include Calvin Klein, underwear brand Curves and Lace, Kurt Keiger, Ted Baker and most recently Vivienne Westwood, to name just a few. Princes Square will undoubtedly satisfy any shopaholic’s desires.

4. THE ITALIAN CENTRE, MERCHANT CITY:

Just a stones throw away from Princes Square and Buchanan Street, this high-fashion venue extends the list of designer brands which Glasgow is home to. Luxurious names such as Gucci and Versace sit pride of place here, so be prepared to empty your wallets if you so dare.

5. GREAT WESTERN ROAD:

An excellent shopping district situated in the West End , Great Western Road appeals to those shoppers on the prowl for something unique and quirky. With a vast list of luxurious boutiques and one-of-a-kind vintage stores, you can be sure to find a gem whilst strolling through this pleasant district, quenching your thirst and hunger in divine cafes and restaurants as you go.