It’s brimming with culture, history, dazzling scenery, great shopping and a vibrant nightlife – and for the next eight days Glasgow will be the focus of the badminton world.

The famous Scottish city is rolling out the red carpet as stars such as Lin Dan, Lee Chong Wei, Liliyana Natsir and Carolina Marin prepare for battle in the highly-anticipated TOTAL BWF World Championships 2017. While these icons lock horns in the 21-27 August tournament, there is potentially just as much to absorb outside Emirates Arena.

A port on the River Clyde in Scotland’s western Lowlands, Glasgow is famed for its Victorian and art nouveau architecture, a rich legacy from its 18th–20th-century prosperity due to trade and ship-building. It is a national cultural hub, home to institutions including the Scottish Opera, Scottish Ballet and National Theatre of Scotland, as well as acclaimed museums and a thriving music scene.

Browse through the world-renowned Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the iconic Riverside Museum, Hunterian Museum and Mackintosh House. Alternatively, stroll through beautiful green parks – the Glasgow Botanic Gardens come to mind – or enjoy the amazing array of restaurants, including the popular Ashton Lane, and excellent shopping. Entertainment venues like SSE Hydro, the Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and the Glasgow Royal Opera House often showcase some of the world’s best acts.

Should visitors care to venture beyond the city limits, then a day trip to Scottish distillery – whisky being Scotland’s best known export – may be in order. In addition, the capital – Edinburgh – is only an hour away by train. The 12th century castle which stands majestically on a cliff in the city centre cuts an incredibly impressive sight. Edinburgh too has countless museums, galleries and historic buildings. It is the world’s leading festival city and, during the World Championships, it will be in peak season with at least five festivals taking place: the Edinburgh International Festival, the Fringe, the Tattoo, the Book Festival and the Art Festival.

“As well as enjoying the badminton, we want you all to get the most out of your visit to our great city and to enjoy Scotland’s renowned hospitality and friendship to the full. Glasgow and Scotland have so much to offer in terms of culture, history and scenery – I can assure you, you won’t be disappointed.

“Our preparations have been going well and tickets are selling fast,” said BADMINTONscotland’s Chief Executive, Anne Smillie.

Inside the 6,000-seater Emirates Arena, fans will be eager to see if Spain’s Carolina Marin – Europe’s main medal hope – and China’s Chen Long can each seal a hat-trick of World titles to add to their Olympic gold medals.

Will local star Kirsty Gilmour’s penchant for upsetting top players hold true?

Can Malaysia’s veteran, Lee Chong Wei, finally claim the gold that has constantly eluded him?

All these questions and more will be answered next week in glittering Glasgow!

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FOR YOUR INFORMATION

Tournament Website: www.bwfworldchampionships.com

Tickets: www.glasgow2017.com

Glasgow holidays: www.visitscotland.com and https://peoplemakeglasgow.com