It is also one of nine constituencies in the Glasgow electoral region, which elects seven additional members, in addition to nine constituency MSPs, to produce a form of proportional representation for the region as a whole.

All three of Glasgow's universities are here as well, making it reputedly the most educated constituency in Scotland; the large student population is an important factor in elections.

It is also home to the Merchant City: described as 'yuppie housing', it was built out of the disused cotton and tobacco warehouses.

[2] The predecessor to the Westminster constituency seat, Glasgow Hillhead, was the last Conservative seat in the city until Roy Jenkins won it for the Social Democratic Party at a by-election in 1982.

This was their best ever first past the post election result, with party co-convenor Patrick Harvie finishing behind the SNP's Sandra White by 14.2% of the vote.