The sustainability of Destinations in Scotland

Of all the great cities of Scotland , one stands out as the clear leader in sustainability – Glasgow .

Even Glasgow’s name speaks to its environmental heritage: it comes from the Gaelic word Glaschu, which means “dear green space”.

Some 1,500 years after its founding, the Scottish city ranks highest of any in the UK (and eighth overall)  in the top 10 of the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI) every year since 2016.

Glasgow’s high rating on the Global Destination Sustainability Index (GDSI) reflects its commitment to sustainability and green initiatives across several domains. The GDSI evaluates destinations based on factors like environmental strategy and infrastructure, social sustainability, industry supplier support, and the convention bureau’s strategy and initiatives. Glasgow stands out for a few key reasons:

  1. Environmental Strategy and Infrastructure: Glasgow has been proactive in implementing environmental policies and infrastructure improvements. This includes investments in renewable energy, sustainable transport options like cycling paths and electric buses, and green spaces throughout the city.

    Glasgow fully deserves its reputation as a green city .  Even in the heart of Glasgow there are numerous parks , and more than 90 in total .. While there are disparities between neighbourhoods, on average, 80% of children in Glasgow  live within 400m of a public green space.

    Measures include a low emission zone , restricting which cars can enter the centre in order to cut down on air pollution. Electric vehicle charging stations have been built, “smart” LED streetlights installed, and there have also been noticeable efforts to boost cycling with bike hire schemes and cycling paths .

  2. Social Sustainability: The city has focused on social sustainability through community engagement, accessible and inclusive event planning, and supporting local businesses and social enterprises. Glasgow aims to ensure that its tourism and events benefit all sectors of the community.
  3. Industry Supplier Support: Glasgow has worked closely with local businesses, hotels, venues, and other suppliers to encourage sustainable practices. This includes promoting the use of local produce, reducing waste, and encouraging energy efficiency among businesses.
  4. Convention Bureau’s Strategy and Initiatives: The Glasgow Convention Bureau has been a leader in integrating sustainability into its operations and the events it supports. They have developed specific guides and resources to help event organizers implement sustainable practices, and they actively promote Glasgow as a green and sustainable destination for conferences and events.
  5. Commitment to Global Goals: Glasgow’s commitment to sustainability is also aligned with global goals, such as the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The city’s efforts to combat climate change, promote sustainable economic growth, and ensure the wellbeing of its residents and visitors resonate with these broader objectives.

The TV series Outlander was filmed in Glasgow . Batgirl was entirely filmed in Scotland , including George Square in Glasgow . The zombie movie Wold War Z was filmed in George Square , Glasgow . Glasgow’s comprehensive approach to sustainability, which integrates environmental considerations with social and economic factors, has made it a model for other cities aiming to improve their sustainability credentials. This holistic approach is why Glasgow ranks highly on the Global Destination Sustainability Index, showcasing its dedication to creating a sustainable future for both residents and visitors.

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Take a Highlands Scotland tour from Edinburgh and discover the beauty of Scotland’s landscapes. Late bookings for UK tours can be made by phone / WhatsApp +447305294773.

 

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Outlander Blood of my Blood filming  began filming at Doune Castle in Scotland was completed in June. Outlander fans in the US , UK and around the world are getting excited about seeing the second half of season 7 this year and season 8 , the final season next year .

Crown castles tour Scotland. Season six of the Crown featuring St Andrews is on Netflix.

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Experience days in Scotland offer visitors from America, Canada and Europe a unique and immersive way to explore the rich history, stunning landscapes, and cultural heritage of this amazing country.

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Your driver / guide is David Rankin  , a photographer  with 20 years experience  and a tour guide for 6 years . David has extensive knowledge of the top locations in Scotland for a wide range of tours to castles ,  the Highlands and film locations including Outlander and Game of Thrones   . Please phone / text / Whatsapp him on +447305294773 or contact us online 

 

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What Scottish castles are open to tour ?

These castles have provided the backdrops for bloody battles or famous films, and are the most popular castles in Scotland

Stirling Castle.
Midhope Castle.
Blackness Castle.
Doune Castle.

Was any of Braveheart filmed in Scotland?

Mel Gibson decided to direct the film, as well as star as Wallace. Braveheart was filmed in Scotland and Ireland from June to October 1994. Book your Braveheart tour online

Is there a real Lallybroch ?

Yes, Midhope Castle is the real life location for Lallybroch , the ancestral home of Jamie Fraser . You can visit Lallybroch on our unique Outlander tours  . Lallybroch, or Broch Tuarach, is Jamie’s fictional home in the series.
Outlander tours from Edinburgh can be booked online . In real life it’s an ancient 16th-century tower house outside Edinburgh. The castle stars in a number of Outlander episodes as the ancestral home of Jamie Fraser , played by Scottish actor Sam Heughan . You can visit the castle on one of our tours and take a look around the outside . Unfortunately the inside of Lallybroch is derelict and not accessible at the moment  , although plans have been announced to build accommodation inside the castle . Lallybroch Outlander tours from Private tours Edinburgh

what does Broch Tuarach mean ?

What is Broch Tuarach ? And can you take a tour to it ? It is an old  broch on the land, Broch Tuarach means “north-facing tower” in Gaelic. Lallybroch, as the estate is known among those who live there, in turn means “lazy tower”. Lallybroch , ancestral home of Jamie Fraser , is also known as Broch Tuarach . 
Broch Tuarach tours  can be booked online . For last minute bookings phone / Whatsapp us on  +447305-294773


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