Shawlands locals say “south side is the best side” after the Glasgow district was named among the world’s coolest neighbourhoods.
The area came in at number 11 on the list from Time Out magazine alongside parts of Lisbon, Guadalajara and London.
Shawlands was described as “keeping Glasgow braw” with its “great parks, art, coffee and dining” as the “bustling nexus point below the Clyde”.
Business owner Alisha Khan has fond memories of growing up in Shawlands and said it was the “perfect fit” for her jewellery and homeware shop.
“We saw other stores opening here and thought ‘this could be great’,” she told STV News. “There’s definitely a thriving business community here.
“We have people visiting here from the US and Canada who say it’s on their list of places to go. It’s really special.
“There are always people looking in the window or going by your shop to get a pastry and a coffee. We’re not in the city centre but it’s like a mini-version. It’s great to see more places opening up.”
Debora Guisti opened nearby Betty Beans seven years ago and said there’s an “independent vibe” about Shawlands.
She said: “It’s got much better over the years.
“There are delis, cafes and lots of lovely shops. People are staying local and shopping local.
“You’ve got everything you need – you can stay here from morning until night and there’s always something to do and places to go.”
She added: “I’m so proud to live here. It’s brilliant.”
Kilmurry and Co restaurant owner Claudio Galano said he hopes the latest accolade will bring more visitors to the area.
“It’s a pleasant surprise,” he said. “The thing that makes Shawlands is the local, neighbourhood vibe – everything is walking distance if you live here.
“It’s very exciting to have that global outreach. I’m looking forward to speaking to more foreign customers and finding out about their experiences when they talk about Shawlands.”
Locals who spoke to STV News largely welcomed the news, saying it has a “vibrant” mix of people and businesses, but some believe the area’s regeneration has driven up property prices.
One former resident said: “I used to live here for a long time myself and to see it develop over the years was really good.
“It’s well deserved but it’s a shame as the prices are skyrocketing and it’s pushing people out – hopefully they can balance that.”
Meanwhile, another resident who has lived in Shawlands for years was less than impressed about the new title and said it’s “going down and down”.
“You’re joking,” she said. “Shawlands used to be a beautiful place. We want shops where you can go in and buy shoes.
“We used to have a lovely arcade. Now it’s pubs, banks and coffee shops.”
James Manning, Travel Editor at Time Out, said: “Glasgow is one of the UK’s coolest cities right now and the action is not just in the centre.
“Shawlands is really worth heading south of the river to explore.
“It has a fantastic multicultural community with new food spots and nightlife opening all the time as well as the big draw of the refurbished Burrell Collection.”
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