Edinburgh vs Glasgow

"While the Metropolitan City, Edinburgh, may have been the scene of a longer number of historical events than Glasgow, yet not even to Edinburgh must our city of the West give place in the claim of precedence in respect of real historical influence and essential power. Edinburgh has probably done more in recording history, and in enjoying the blessings of civilization and modern improvements; but Glasgow has made history and even been the orginator of the means of advancing civilization, and the amenities of modern life. The latter has laboured, and the former has reaped the fruits of that labour" Andrew Wallace, A Popular Sketch of the history of Glasgow (1882)

Edinburgh and Glasgow.

Two cities, both alike in dignity …

Edinburgh; The Auld Reekie, Embra, The Athens of the North. The home of the world famous Fringe Festival, people travel from all around the world to experience the spirit of the city. A military stronghold with an undeniable historical heritage, Edinburgh is the centre of political activity in Scotland. Housing the Scottish Parliament and hosting the Military Tattoo yearly, the legacy continues into the present day. It’s known for it’s literary greats and Instagrammable streets.

Glasgow; Dear Green Place, Glesga, The Second City of the Empire. Renowned for shipbuilding and industrialism, the blend of intelligence and art brings the city’s life and vibrance to the forefront. A bustling music scene and nightlife combines with the fourth oldest university in the UK (Glasgow University) to create a blend of rich history and modern vibrancy that makes the city unique.

From ancient grudge break to new mutiny …

It’s not just Scotlands biggest cities that are world famous, it’s also their ongoing feud. Competition between cities in the same country is a strange and ancient phenomenon and can be dated back, at least, to Sparta and Athens in classical Greece.

In the English speaking world, the rivalry between Edinburgh and Glasgow may very well be one of the oldest examples in the book – predating many of the classic and well known rivalries we see in the world.

But how old is this grudge? How did it start?

Well, Professor Robert Crawford believes he has found the first recorded issue between the two cities. The cause of the three hundred year grudge … Bread.

In 1656, the town council of Glasgow expressed concern over the bad quality of bread the bakers were making. Two bakers from Edinburgh offered a solution; they would happily bake Glaswegians bread that were of higher quality. Edinburgh standards of bread.

And from then on, for over 300 years, both cities have strived to prove they were better than the other.

Petty, stubborn and with an air of “I’ll show you”. Distinctly Scottish.

Where civil blood makes civil hands unclean …

The rivalry has permeated every aspect of life, from culture to sport and business but if you really want to know about the grudge, just ask the people themselves!

Ask someone from Edinburgh, they’ll tell you Glaswegians are violent, rough and grimy and have accents they can’t understand. Ask a Glaswegian and they’ll tell you people from Edinburgh are pretentious, vain and tight-lipped politeness. For the most part, it’s said with a feeling of grudging respect and affection, there’s no true hate or animosity really.

But there is truth within the stereotypes. Edinburgh is a gorgeous city and UNESCO World Heritage site to boot. The castle is built on an extinct volcano and the dramatic landscape gives it an almost theatrical feel. Whereas Glasgow has a little more of that Victorian gothic scruff vibe and while it has an unpretentious, direct charm in its own right, Edinburgh is definitely the beauty queen. And Edinburgh knows it.

The phrase “you’ll have had your tea” comes to mind for Edinburgh whereas Glasgow is famed for its friendliness and legendary hospitality. In Edinburgh, pubs and coffee shops are for quiet, reading a book or, if you want a conversation, you better bring someone you know. In Glasgow, you will receive conversation, often whether you want it or not and a night out on the town will almost guarantee you a new friend. After all, there is a reason Glasgow was named the friendliest city in the UK for 2025 (for the second year in a row)!

However, Glasgow also maintains a spot at the top of the list for the most dangerous area in the country. With a history of knife crime and gangs, the city has definitely earned its reputation but it’s not all doom and gloom.

In 2003, Glasgow was named the murder capital of Europe and in a bid to change this, the Violence Reduction Unit was created. They pioneered a holistic approach that treated violent crime similar to a disease; identifying, treating and preventing violence by collaborating with schools, community groups and health services to provide opportunities, care and education to address the root causes – and it worked! Considerable efforts have seen the homicide numbers dramatically drop and have allowed Glasgow to start to step away from its reputation as No Mean City.

So how do we settle this grudge?

Well first of all, I doubt you can, that bread feud was well justified but secondly, should we?

The friendly competition has arguably solidified and strengthened the characters of the cities and this is what makes Edinburgh and Glasgow such a well rounded representation of Scotland itself. Arguably, each city would be worse off without the other and the feud is a crucial part of that co-dependency.

My final thoughts? Sibling rivalry is powerful if it's done with love. It creates determination, strength and loyalty in a person but without losing their ability to appreciate and applaud what they see in others and this is what I feel when I look at these two cities. I have so many fond memories of Edinburgh; I have friends there, I've trained there and I've worked there. But at the end of the day, "I belong to Glasgow, and Glasgow belongs to me"*.

*Will Fyffe, I Belong to Glasgow (1929)

Statue of Wellington in Glasgow with the pigeon and cone on it's head. Photo taken by Victoria Clow (2025)

Picture of The Ross Fountain with Edinburgh Castle in the background. Photo taken by Victoria Clow (2025)