The three pillars

Founded in 1605, The Merchants House is a historic institution that has thrived for centuries. This remarkable organisation is built upon three foundational pillars: civic responsibility, charity and membership. The first pillar is rooted in a deep sense of duty to Glasgow, pride in its achievements and a champion of its potential. One of the ways the Lord Dean fulfils this duty is by attending a wide range of events in his capacity as second citizen of the city. 

The Lord Dean with, left to right, Lynne Murchie, Director of Sales & Marketing at Radisson Blu Glasgow; Howard Salinger, Managing Director of Travel Connection Group; Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren; and Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life at the Media Gateway civic reception

Media Gateway event

In recent months the House has engaged with partners including Glasgow Life to highlight the city’s strengths as a sustainable and accessible tourist destination, and one with clear ambition and aspirations. Back in June, the Lord Dean attended a civic reception at the City Chambers alongside the Lord Provost, Jacqueline McLaren, to welcome delegates to the Media Gateway event. This brought together over 100 travel journalists and content creators from all over the UK and Ireland to Glasgow for a three day showcase of the city’s visitor experience. Attendees had the opportunity to visit a wide range of attractions including the Burrell Collection, Mackintosh at the Willow and The Clydeside Distillery. 

As well as the civic reception, delegates also had the chance to join guided tours and evening events including a ceilidh. The event was organised by the Travel Connection Group and built on the success of similar events in Manchester in 2002 and Leeds last year.

The Lord Dean with Alex Harvie, Head of Marketing Communications and Destination Marketing – Glasgow Life and Jacqueline McLaren, Lord Provost of Glasgow

Glasgow as a thriving tourist destination

More recently, our Events Manager Nancy attended a conference focused on Glasgow’s 2030 Tourism Strategy, which provided an update on progress for 2023/24. This Glasgow Life event brought together a range of partners who together are shaping the progress of Glasgow’s visitor economy. We look forward to continuing our collaboration with them in the months and years ahead as we work together for Glasgow.

The Lord Dean with Lynne Murchie, Director of Sales & Marketing at Radisson Blu Glasgow; Howard Salinger, Managing Director of Travel Connection Group; Lord Provost of Glasgow, Jacqueline McLaren; and Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life at the Media Gateway event

If you’re proud of Glasgow and would like to contribute to the civic life of the city, consider joining us as a member.

Images courtesy Glasgow Life, credit Alan Harvey