Scotland

The city of Glasgow has beaten the South Pole and outer space to be named as the 12th most desirable place to visit in 2012.

Scotland's largest city was named in the top 45 places to go in a list in the New York Times.

The newspaper praised Glasgow's new Transport Museum on the River Clyde.

Gordon Matheson, chair of the Glasgow City Marketing Bureau, said:

"In recent years, the world’s leading publications and renowned travel guides have consistently ranked Glasgow as a must-visit destination, highlighting the city’s warmth, style and energy.

"I’m delighted that the New York Times recognises, as Glaswegians do, this is a vibrant and exciting city with lots to offer – including magnificent architecture, museums and galleries."

Glasgow facts:

• Glasgow is Scotland’s largest city with a population of around 600,000 and 2.5 million in the city region.
• Glasgow is a UNESCO City of Music and hosts over 100 music events each week.
• Charles Rennie Mackintosh, the world-famous architect and designer, was born in Glasgow in 1868. His work can be seen in many locations in and around the city.
• Glasgow will play host to the 20th Commonwealth Games in 2014.
• The University of Glasgow was established in 1451 and is the fourth oldest university in the English-speaking world.

> Find out more about visiting Scotland