Buchanan Street, Glasgow (must see)

In 1777 the Tobacco Lords of Scotland lost their lands in Virginia and consequently their slaves. The American Revolution had taken them both. For Scotland it became a blessing. For America it was a curse, though it did not seem so at the time.

James Buchanan of Drumpellier, heir of Tobacco Lord Andrew Buchanan, and twice Lord Provost of Glasgow, was a big loser in this contest. But if the American Revolution brought disaster, the Industrial Revolution was about to begin. The Buchanans weathered the storm through land sales. Sales financed a move into manufacturing and development.

Land owned by the Buchanans was in what is now the heart of Glasgow. It was here that Buchanan Street developed. Villas and townhouses were built. Shops, banks, hotels and commercial development followed.

Pedestrianized Buchanan Street is famous for its upscale shopping and sky high rents. It is second only to Oxford Street in London as a busy shopping area. At the beginning of the street is the historic Argyll Arcade, the oldest shopping center in the United Kingdom. Close by is the Princes Square indoor mall, across from the House of Fraser.

Midway along is Royal Exchange Square and Nelson Mandela Place, formerly Saint George's Place. Glasgow was the first city in the United Kingdom to honor Nelson Mandela with the Freedom of the City in 1993.

Spend a day strolling. Take in the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall, The Gallery of Modern Art and The Lighthouse Centre for Architecture.