The Scotia Bar, just down by the Clyde, is simply an institution. This is a pub with character and history, which attracts a range of Glasgow characters, from teachers to plumbers, as well as tourists lured by the Bar’s colourful history. Having opened its doors in 1792, it has claims to be the oldest surviving Bar in Glasgow. As part of a triangle of pubs in the area which served local dockworkers and music hall attendees, the Scotia became a haunt honouring the Glaswegian tradition of ‘wan singer, wan song’. This attracted the folk revivalists of the 1970s, such as Billy Connolly, to choose it as the venue from which to launch their careers. Now in the capable hands of Belhaven Breweries, The Scotia retains its unique character, the traditional wood panelling decor and low ceiling unchanged since 1929. And there’s still a guitar kept behind the bar in case anyone feels the urge to get up and spontaneously perform, though there is plenty of live music on offer, from rock and blues to folk from Wednesday to Saturday, and two live slots at weekends. Audience particpation is welcome in the singer /songwriters competition in the spring, and a Battle of the Bands in autumn/winter.The Scotia must also be the only pub in Scotland to run a Poet Laureate competition, paying tribute to its long popularity as a haunt for Glasgow’s literary set. And the famed Writer’s Group still takes place to this day. The Scotia is a totally unpretentious venue though, as evidenced by the hearty pub grub, Scottish classics such as haddock. £3.50 gets you a two course lunch; soup with a choice of four mains, mince n’ tatties, chilli, macaroni cheese or ciabatta. Whatever you do at the Scotia, you’ll get the most authentic and enjoyable taste of traditional Glaswegian hospitality.