The outside world (including most of England, I'm led to believe) imagines Scotland as a mystical wilderness full of beautiful serene glens and quietly grazing sheep. Perhaps there's a highlander afar off playing the bagpipes?
To be fair, Scotland plc, is happy to promote this image and why not? It sells a lot of shortbread. However, for most people living in Scotland, this is not reality. Twenty-first century Scots (as well as twentieth and nineteenth century ones) are mostly city dwellers. The glens are lovely, but if you do venture out, you'll be more likely to see a German tourist or a middle-aged English hill walkers than an 'average' Scot.
So, what of these cities?
Well, as a Canadian, there are certain qualities possessed by all Scottish cities have that I find desirable. Firstly, they are typically pedestrian/public transport friendly. Despite having a very strong car culture, you are still able to get in and out of every city in Scotland quickest by train. No worries about getting lost or stuck in traffic, once you get off the train you can relax and start enjoying the place.
Also, unlike Canada, Scotland has held on to its low-rise city scape. There are tall buildings, but the distinctive nature of a city's architecture here is best appreciated up close rather than far away.
So, these things being equal, I nominate Glasgow as my favourite city!
Aside from being the largest metropolitan area in the country by far, Glasgow is easily the friendliest and most vibrant of Scottish cities. Yes, Edinburgh is charming, but beyond the looks it lacks something that Glasgow has. As a post-industrial city, one can see how the great engineering works drew people to Glasgow from across Scotland and the world. Coming out of a period of decline in the late 20th century, the city has kept apace through it's own merits and people. If you were looking for a good restaurant in Scotland, it would be in Glasgow. Music gig - Glasgow; specialist shop - Glasgow; rare car part - Glasgow; subway system - Glasgow; intraurban rail network - Glasgow; great airport - Glasgow... the list goes on.
I should end this post by saying that this could easily turn into an ugly game of Edinburgh-trashing. It is also a fine city and a certain destination for tourists (for good reason). I have worked in Edinburgh and seeing the view as I walk out of the Waverley train station does brighten my day and make me think - THIS is town planning at its finest. But, if I were to choose a city to live in, it would be Glasgow.
