My Glasgow: Paralympic tennis star Gordon Reid on life in the city

From the best Vietnamese restaurant to sporting facilities, the Paralympic gold medallist and Wimbledon singles and doubles champion tells us what makes Scotland's largest city great.

Gordon Reid moved to Glasgow in 2013 but having grown up in nearby Helensburgh, the Paralympic athlete and tennis sensation has long been familiar with the city. Here, he shares his favourite Glasgow haunts and his thoughts on its sporting side.

I think the best thing about the city is the different people in it – the mix of cultures and backgrounds. You just feel at home and that you’re welcome in Glasgow. I lived in Helensburgh, about 30 miles away, so as a child Glasgow was the nearest city to me so it’s been the place I grew up with.

If I had to describe Glasgow in three words I’d say warm, diverse and busy – in a good way.

Hanoi Bike Shop

My favourite restaurant in Glasgow is Hanoi Bike Shop, a Vietnamese place off Byres Road, which is really nice. I also really like The Stand Comedy Club – it’s a brilliant little place and I love going there. I live in Finnieston so Argyle Street is great for restaurants and bars.

I think the Glasgow sports scene has grown a lot, especially after the Commonwealth Games was held here a few years ago. I’ve noticed a big change in investment on the sporting side of things. I now train three days a week at the Sir Chris Hoy Velodrome in the Emirates Arena, one of the centres they built specifically. I think there are a lot more opportunities available now, especially to young people.

The Emirates Arena

When I get back to Glasgow the first thing I do is go to bed. It’s one of those things that I miss because I travel more than half the year. I love my apartment, it overlooks the River Clyde so it has nice views and I tend to bring my friends up to mine. The thing I miss the most when I’m away is my friends and family so I surround myself with them when I get home.

My favourite view is from up by the Science Centre looking right down the river. There’s the SECC, the BBC and the STV studios, you can see my flat and the Squinty Bridge [the Clyde Arc].

Glasgow riverscape and Clyde Arc

My favourite building is the Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. It’s quite old fashioned and iconic. After London 2012, there was a parade through Glasgow for all the Scottish athletes and that was the starting point. I’ve got good memories there.

I’d spend a lazy Sunday in Glasgow heading out for a walk along the river or up to Kelvingrove Park.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, image: Shutterstock / Grantibo (Shutterstock / Grantibo)

Famed for its spectacular Victorian architecture and vibrant cultural scene, Scotland’s largest city is a must-see. To discover more about Glasgow and the people who call it home visit peoplemakeglasgow.com