The Rival Cities
Rea,
Remember last week when the Piranhas competed against the Fast Frogs? That friendly competition made both teams swim faster and try harder. Well, we’re going to visit two cities in Scotland that have had their own friendly rivalry for hundreds of years.
You know Edinburgh - that’s where they filmed some of the Harry Potter scenes! You’re excited about the Harry Potter tour and seeing the castle that looks like Hogwarts. But we’re also visiting Glasgow, which is completely different. And you’ll be able to see and hear this rivalry firsthand.
The competition between these cities started centuries ago when they chose different paths. Edinburgh became Scotland’s royal capital, home to kings and castles. It built beautiful stone buildings and fancy streets. People there started speaking in more refined accents to sound sophisticated.
Glasgow took a different route. During the Industrial Revolution, it became a powerhouse of shipbuilding and manufacturing. Glasgow built one-third of all British ships and sent them around the world. The people there kept their strong Scottish accents and were proud of making real things with their hands.
This led to a friendly rivalry that continues today. Edinburgh people might say their city is more cultured and beautiful. Glasgow people respond that they built the world while Edinburgh just talked about it. It’s like a sibling rivalry where each city developed its own personality to stand out.
The competition even extended to food. Both cities claimed to make the best Scottish morning rolls (called “baps” in Edinburgh and “rolls” in Glasgow). Bakeries in each city would boast about their superior bread, and locals would argue about which version tasted better.
When you visit both cities, you’ll notice the differences immediately. Edinburgh feels like a fairy tale with its castle on a hill and medieval streets. Glasgow feels more industrial and modern, with impressive Victorian buildings and a grittier energy.
Listen carefully to how people talk. Edinburgh accents sound more polished, while Glasgow accents are stronger and more distinctly Scottish. You might hear locals from each city playfully tease the other - it’s all part of the centuries-old friendly competition.
Just like how the Piranhas and Fast Frogs push each other to swim better, this rivalry made both cities stronger. Edinburgh became one of the most beautiful capitals in Europe. Glasgow became known as an incredible center of innovation and industry. Neither would be as special without the other to compete against.
The best part? You get to experience both personalities in one trip. You’ll see royal Edinburgh with its Harry Potter magic, then industrial Glasgow with its working-class pride. Two completely different Scottish experiences, shaped by centuries of friendly competition.
Love, Abba