Region

The training programme is centred around Glasgow, Scotland’s largest city. Although potential placements span from Forth Valley Royal Hospital down to Dumfries, the vast majority of placements are within easy commuting distance of the city. Most trainees choose to live in or around the city.

Glasgow is a bustling, friendly and entertaining city. It has a population of around 600,000 and well over 2 million people live within its commuter belt, a significant chunk of Scotland’s population. It has a worldwide reputation for its industrial heritage, education and research. The legacy of the industrial revolution still casts a formidable influence on the city today and despite changes in the city’s economic focus, it remains at the heart of Scotland.

The city centre offers shopping second only to London, within the UK. There are countless restaurants, bars and entertainment venues throughout the city. Regardless of your taste in music, Glasgow caters for all with the SEC (Scottish Events Campus, formerly SECC), which includes The Hydro, a 12000 seat concert arena alongside smaller venues featuring all genres of music. The annual Celtic Connections festival features around 2000 artists from around the world and offers a month of concerts and workshops. Those interested in the arts will appreciate the broad range of culture on show throughout the city and at the Glasgow Museums.

Sport is never far from the heart of many Glaswegians, most notoriously focussing around the Old Firm football teams; Rangers and Celtic. There are multiple junior football teams around the region and the Scottish National Football team are based at Hampden Park. However, football is not the only sport in Glasgow. The city played host to the Commonwealth Games in 2014, which generated great interest and provided excellent sporting facilities, including the Emirates Arena, complete with Velodrome. The Glasgow Warriors play at Scotstoun and there are several rugby clubs around the city. Furthermore, Scotland’s only indoor ski slope is located at Braehead. For those wishing to escape the city walls, the Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park is a short drive away, as is Ayrshire and the Clyde coast, offering world-class sailing waters and a range of Islands to explore. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy the activities on their doorstep, yet the mountains are only short drive, offering everything from relaxed walking to mountaineering and winter sports.

Going further afield, there is an extensive public transport network and Glasgow Central is the northern terminus of the West Coast Mainline. City centre of Glasgow to London in just over 4.5 hours by train. Edinburgh is 45 mintues away by train. Scotland’s other main towns and cities are all within relatively easy reach. Glasgow and Prestwick airports are nearby and Edinburgh airport is also easily accessible.

In summary, the West of Scotland is an excellent place to live and offers something for everyone.