We touched down in Glasgow after a flight of an hour and 15 minutes and the pleasantries started instantly as we were greeted with a warm pat on the back from glorious sunshine.

After a short taxi ride we were in the heart of the city centre. Nestled on the sixth floor above numerous offices close to Glasgow Central Station, we found the Grasshoppers Hotel.

This penthouse hotel offers 30 individually-decorated rooms boasting city views at a price that won’t break the bank. We were blown away by the stylish boutique decor in our room but, while the king-size bed was incredibly inviting, my tummy was telling me it was time for dinner.

The unique, cellar-like Alston Bar and Beef lies under Glasgow Central Station, serving the best quality steaks and boasting a rather impressive gin collection.

My partner and I both opted for the chicken liver pate to start and steak with excellently-cooked chips for mains. Then it was chocolate and raspberry brownie for him, and a banofee sundae for me.

Next it was on to the gin. Jim, our very knowledgeable waiter, held our gin masterclass. With his box of botanical tricks he explained what ingredients were in each of the four gins and allowed us to taste, feel and smell the individual botanical. Then came my favourite bit - the drinking.

After a gin-infused good night’s sleep it was time for breakfast. After filling our stomachs it was off to catch our CitySightseeing Tour Bus.

CitySightseeing shows you all the things to do in Glasgow, offering a colourful insight into the city’s past and present. With 28 stops in total the tour takes around one hour and 45 minutes and operates on a hop on, hop off system.

We decided to hop off at Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Located on Argyle Street, in the West End of the city, the museum is one of the most popular free-to-enter visitor attractions in Scotland.

We spent a solid hour exploring before getting back on the bus heading to our next stop, The WEST Brewery, an independent microbrewery which started brewing the finest artisan lagers and wheat beers in Glasgow in 2006.

We were treated to a behind-thescenes tour which concluded with a tutored tasting session of their house lagers and wheat beers, followed by a two-course lunch in the brewery’s restaurant. Back on the bus we completed our tour at George Square - home to the headquarters of Glasgow City Council and important collection of statues and monuments.

A little nose around the town revealed a range of exclusive traditional shops, as well as your usual high street names but for us it was time to return to the hotel before venturing out to the West End region of Glasgow in search of dinner.

A favourite among locals in the West End, Starvaigin offers a great atmosphere serving traditional Scottish food through its inventive menu. Like the majority of quality eating places, Stravaigin has a ‘local wherever possible’ policy.

With the bar area bustling, we were shown downstairs to the cosy restaurant. After a specially-prepared mackerel starter it was on to the mains. I opted for the Gressingham duck breast and duck leg spring roll with marinated black cherries, confit potato, and chicory.

My partner chose the Inverurie lamb rump, belly, sweetbread and tongue with spiced aubergine, tomato cous cous and tomato confit.

Two clean plates later we ventured upstairs to the café bar nook area of the restaurant to finish off our bottle of white and lap up the vibrant atmosphere Stravaign had to offer.

When the morning came I woke up with knots in my stomach, feeling nervous and I couldn’t think why.

And then I remembered… today was the day I was to don a wetsuit, submerge myself in a Scottish canal and go wakeboarding.

Now most of you are probably thinking what’s the fuss?

But I am not a water baby. I can swim but that’s only really as a precaution if a life and death matter was to occur.

Glasgow Wake Park is Scotland’s first urban Wake Park. It uses a cable system which allows the wakeboarder to ride continuously and the speed at which they are being pulled along at to be controlled. This was welcoming news.

It was also reassuring to hear that the team there aim to have a 100 per cent success rate with beginners. Kitted up and ready (I use this term lightly) to go it was onto the deck for a lesson and demonstration.

The water was not as cold as I imagined and being the competitive person that I am I was determined not to show myself up. In my deep squat position I could feel the cable start to tighten. Next thing I knew I was standing, my board gliding on top of the water - I loved it!

Granted there were a few face-plants but that just came part and parcel with the activity and made me more determined to get back into position and try again.

After a hot shower and with adrenalin still pumping it was time for a well-deserved lunch. We headed down traffic-free Buchanan Street, the lively commercial heart of the city centre to find, hidden off the beaten track, Tabac Bar and Restaurant, offering dishes from around the world.

With recommendations from the ever-so helpful waitress we ordered six dishes to share. In no time at all they were at the table.

All beautifully-presented, the flavours did not disappoint. After a brisk walk back to the hotel it was time to check out, but not before squeezing in just enough time to devour one of the hotel’s red velvet cupcakes, one of the treats freshlybaked daily for guests.

With just over an hour’s flight until we were back in Bournemouth there was just enough time for a bit of shut-eye to recoup after what had been an action-packed, food-fuelled, thoroughly enjoyable visit to one of the UK’s most vibrant cities.

For further information on booking your trip to Glasgow visit www.peoplemakeglasgow.com