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Checklist: Glasgow glamour

Singapore — The Scottish city was better known for its griminess and grittiness, perhaps immortalised in Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting where it stood in for sister city, Edinburgh, for most of the filming. But the city has undergone a resurrection and is ready to show off its trendy, edgy energy with the Commonwealth Games starting on July 23. Uncover the fashionable side of Glasgow at these spots. And remember to thank us if you should bump into homegrown star James McAvoy.Hillhead Bookclub

Singapore — The Scottish city was better known for its griminess and grittiness, perhaps immortalised in Danny Boyle’s Trainspotting where it stood in for sister city, Edinburgh, for most of the filming. But the city has undergone a resurrection and is ready to show off its trendy, edgy energy with the Commonwealth Games starting on July 23. Uncover the fashionable side of Glasgow at these spots. And remember to thank us if you should bump into homegrown star James McAvoy.Hillhead Bookclub

Among the great, trendy bars on Glasgow’s West End is Hillhead Bookclub, which oozes style and character with its table tennis room and retro game machine. Before you dismiss this as a hipster hangout, the place serves no-frills pub grub and drinks at a very decent price.

Glasgow School of the Arts

This 175-year-old building still has it. We’re talking sex appeal, and it has been voted Britain’s Most Beautiful Building. It’s so beloved that when a fire occurred in May and part of it was destroyed, students and residents wept and Brad Pitt made an appeal to help raise funds. And you know Brad’s a big architectural buff …

Byres Road

The coolest street on West End teems with vintage shops and eclectic offerings. From indie record stores (go to Fopp, which started in Glasgow, incidentally) to the Botanic Gardens at the end of the road, this is one street to spend a leisurely afternoon exploring. SERENE LIM

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