George Square is regarded as the very centre of the city as this is the location of the City Chambers, Glasgow`s main public building.

The square was laid out in 1781, even though a few years later it was still being described as a `hollow, filled with green-water, and a favourite resort for drowning puppies, while the banks of this suburban pool were the slaughtering place of horses`. Large two- and three-storey houses were built around it between 1787 and the 1820s, but only the present-day hotel on the square`s northern side retains these early buildings. The square itself was given over to private gardens which only the privileged householders could use; this so annoyed other Glaswegians that its railings were torn down on several occasions. Later the council discovered (as an 1872 guide relates) `that the whole enclosure belonged to the public who had been so long excluded from it`.

The square was to achieve its pre-eminence when the city moved its centre westwards and the merchants and manufacturers who controlled the council wanted a lavishly decorated building and a grand civic space which reflected their position as leaders of `The Second City`.

During the Christmas period the square is ablaze with its decorations while, during the hottest part of the summer, office workers flock to the benches in a desperate bid to soak up some sunlight.

This article is based on the guidebook "The Glasgow Guide".

George Square, Glasgow`s main open space.

The square is dominated by the very grand City Chambers, the headquarters of the city council. The tall column in the centre of the square supports a statue of Sir Walter Scott, one of Scotland`s greatest authors. Around the square are other statues of people, including Robert Burns, who have connections with the city.