Is it ever too early for Christmas Shopping?

George Square at Christmas

Okay okay, I hear your howls of derision!

BUT, in my defence, I noticed in Tesco yesterday while I picked up a pint of milk, that at the end of one aisle was 5 shelves of Christmas Selection boxes and sweets. Surely it won't be long before mince pies and Christmas puddings are on display.

While you (and me) may not agree that we have bypassed autumn in our race to Christmas, what it does mean is that more and more people are already planning their Christmas shopping trips and, in fact, many are taking these trips earlier and earlier.

Skating in George Square

The Commonwealth Games in Glasgow

How the action will look in the new Hydro arena

Now that the ticket applications are closed we are entering the Home Straight for the 2014 Commonwealth Games in Glasgow.

Taking place between 23 July - 3 August 2014, the Games will be taking place right across Glasgow as well as further afield.

Starting with a booming Opening Ceremony at Celtic Park, the Games will see some of the world's best athletes swimming, running, jumping and punching their way across the city to get their hands on a coveted gold medal.

Glasgow Doors Open Day

Glasgow Central Station

Have you ever wanted to see behind the scenes of some of Glasgow's most famous and iconic buildings? I know I certainly have, especially the wonderful Panopticon and to explore the tunnels under Central Station that I've heard so many urban rumours about.

Well, hang on to your hats, because you can do all of this and so much more on Open Doors Day...well, it's actually a weekend, which makes it even better!