Interview with Spotter Roddy Cunningham (Glasgow Spotter)

Today an interview with Roddy Cunningham. Spotter for our Glasgow cityblog! We had the pleasure of meeting him and his fellow Spotters last month in Glasgow.

Can you tell us a bit about yourself?
I’m 20 and after having lived about an hour outside the city, finally moved up about 3 years ago when I started university. I’m in my 3rd year of Civil Engineering degree at Strathclyde University and have 2 left after this.

My main interests are travelling and exploring. I love to get away to somewhere new and discover new cultures and customs. I am also an avid foodie. My favourite thing to do is most probably to eat out at one of Glasgow’s fine eateries or have dinner with friends. I do also love to read whenever I get a spare moment.

I currently live in the West End in an old 1 bedroomed tenement flat with my girlfriend and work part-time in a seafood restaurant doing a little bit of everything.

During the summer I spent 4 months travelling around South-East Asia and loved every moment of it. Next plans are for this upcoming February when I am going to Prague for 5 months as part of my degree.

Should be fun…

Which prejudices about Glasgow are true? Which ones are not?
I think Glasgow gets a reputation as being quite a rough city. This in my opinion is most definitely not true. Of course there are areas of the city, same as any other city, that you should probably avoid but the vast majority of places and people are very friendly and will not cause any trouble.

Unfortunately on the other hand, religion can cause real trouble in the city. Catholics and Protestants have been fighting for years, with the two big football clubs in the city- Rangers and Celtic- this divide is very apparent in the city, especially when the two teams face each other, and sometimes innocent people get caught in the middle of altercations between the two sides. This is also something that is unlikely to change anytime soon.

What do you know about Glasgow what no tourist will know?
Little known fact, even to many locals, that is illegal to drink alcohol on the street in Glasgow but it is not illegal to drink up an alleyway. This is a loophole in the law that Scottish football supporters know only too well and come international match day flocks of supporters can be found crammed up alleyways outside Hampden park finishing off cans of their cans of Tennents as the police can only stand and watch.

What is the most popular neighborhood to live in Glasgow at this moment?
The West End without a shadow of a doubt! It has always been one of the most popular areas of town due to its beautiful old tenement flats and quirky side street cafes, bars and vintage shops. However, it does really depend on what type of person you are. If you like the quirkier and slightly more homely atmosphere then the west end is probably for you. On the other hand if you like the sleek, stylish and modern way of life then you will probably prefer the Merchant City.

Can you describe a perfect day in your city?
A perfect day for me would probably start with a early rise and wonder about the quiet streets on a really crisp and frosty (but not wet) morning, afterwards I would maybe go to Cafezique or Kember & Jones and get some late breakfast.

The afternoon would consist of maybe taking some photographs or reading a book in one of the parks followed by dinner at Two Fat Ladies.

The evening would end at King Tuts Wah Wah Hut for a live band or if it were a Sunday The 78 for live jazz in front of the open fire.

Check out all Roddy Cunningham’s  articles and the other interviews with our Spotters.