What’s your favourite hidden gem or lesser-known spot in the city that most tourists miss?
Since learning and researching about the Riverside Tour, I would say most people miss the impact the River Clyde had on Glasgow, especially during the glorious Victorian times and its magnificent buildings; they are amazed by their beauty but, perhaps,they are not fully aware that the money used to build those splendid structures, came mostly from the intense shipbuilding industry.
Can you share a powerful story from your tour that really stayed with you?
The Riverside Tour cover essentially a small and limited area, but what a powerful story it relates! After the shipbuilding era collapsed, the depressing wasteland lasted a few decades. But today you see a very different story: a vibrant and dynamic site with futuristic buildings hosting the new Glasgow’s thriving industry: Entertainment!
What does being a tour guide with Invisible Cities mean to you personally?
Invisible Cities aim is to help people with disadvantages, whether be it homelessness or social hardships, and become a walking tour guide of their own cities. I believe this is a very commendable initiative. Being passionate about history but shy, the ongoing training they run helps me, bit by bit to overcome it. I also appreciate it being involved in various different tours and projects in the city, including the activity of researching new walking routes for private tours.
What part of your tour surprises people the most?
I noticed the jaw-dropped moments particularly when 1) relating the fact that until 1770s the River Clyde was a just a shallow stream of water, easily crossed on stepping stones (Riverside Tour), and 2 )after asking the guests to guess how many people worked on the Clyde tunnelling work, with their answers counting 500, 1000 or similar, I informed them that just 16 miners were involved with the job (Clyde Tunnel Tour)
How do you think your tour helps people see the city differently?
From the Riverside Tour the visitors can learn much about the city. For example,the section called today ‘Merchant City’ once was tightly connected with the Clyde; the majority of the old buildings had roof balconies, from which the merchants could see the ships arriving with the importing goods. Also, thanks to the intense diverse trades, mostly shipbuilding, Glasgow was considered for some time, the second greatest city of the British Empire, after London.
What’s one historical fact or story you love to tell on your tour?
Riverside Tour: I love to see the expression of my guests when they see the photos shown on my ipad regarding the 1988 colourful Glasgow Garden Festival and the black & white old pictures of ‘Doon the Watter’. Several of them became quite emotional, some fond memories came back with nostalgia!
Why do you think it’s important for visitors to learn about homelessness during their trip?
Homelessness can happen to anyone, but that should not define who you are. Also, to remain homeless is an option, to do something positive for yourself and the community where you live is a choice. And Invisible Cities is giving the homelessness the opportunity to accept and embrace that positive choice.
What’s your favourite reaction you’ve had from someone on a tour?
Riverside Tour: Several Glasgow born individual with lit up eyes saying: “Wow, I didn’t know about that!”
What do you hope people remember most after taking your tour?
I would like people to remember that Glasgow is a fantastic city with an enviable rich maritime history that shaped its opulence Victorian buildings , that Glaswegians are the friendliest and funniest people in the world, and that having walked with me along the Clyde was a pleasant and relaxing time spent while learning the fascinating history in this part of Glasgow and the extraordinary resilience of its inhabitants.
How has being a guide with Invisible Cities changed your life or perspective?
Being a guide is a rewarding and exciting job, but not an easy one. Being a shy and reserved person is even more challenging, as you have the eyes and ears of the guests focused on you while you deliver the tour. I feel Invisible Cities is giving me the right tools and ongoing training to develop further in this rewarding job, and I am really grateful and appreciative for that.
