In the first of a new occasional strand titled My Scotland, amateur photographer Elaine Campbell takes you on a tour of Glasgow and explains why the city means so much to her.

Why do I love Glasgow? Where do I begin?

I was born here, way back when TV was a three channel deal and cameras were a huge luxury. My dad bought me a camera from Boots when I was seven, and I was always getting film developed.

I love Glasgow because of the people, the history, the sights, and the sounds.

It's in every beat that my heart makes as I roam the familiar streets. I know the city better than a lover; it's always there for me, I never tire of it.

I miss it when I am away, and I will admit to being moist of eye upon returning to it.

It holds memories of my departed parents. It is the perfect background for my life story; my blood flows through my veins like the River Clyde flows through this city.

It's not always pretty, but I can find beauty here.

I am at peace. This is my home.

If it is a lovely evening, I climb the hill in my local park. I am so lucky to have such a fabulous expanse of greenery on my doorstep. Queen's Park is huge but I can walk around it with my eyes closed. It is where I walked with my mum and dad; it holds so many fond memories. It is full of people, dogs, and landmarks that mapped my childhood. I walk alone, or with my boyfriend, and listen to the birds and the wind. It calms me on a troubled day.

One of my earliest memories is of my dad driving us to Ibrox when I was very small. He used to go to a few scrapyards there to get parts for his car because it was always falling apart. I could see the Finnieston Crane when he was under his car. I remember playing in wet tar and my mum being less than amused. I am obsessed with the crane. It's so big, so permanent, full of memories. I long to go up it and fly off!

I lived in the Gorbals until I was seven years old. The flats I lived in were demolished a few years ago and the area has changed greatly and for the better. I remember living in a high rise, with the scary lifts. I also remember seeing the Obelisk at Glasgow Green and being told it was the pencil at Largs! I fed seagulls bread out of my 23rd floor bedroom window. I was always being told off for flinging things out of the window, like my dad's glasses!

There's that crane again! I love walking by the river; it is so beautiful and calming. When the weather is bad, there are places to shelter. When the weather is good, it is utterly stunning. The old meets the new. The modern buildings are a great contrast with the older landmarks, like my crane. The air seems fresher near the water. If I am sad, this is where I lift my spirits. Plus, the STV studios!

Glasgow School of Art is such a landmark, a great building. Ravaged by fire but still here, undergoing major restoration. I will unashamedly admit to crying upon seeing footage of the fire and the resulting damage on TV. It is still looking beautiful and I believe it will be restored to its former glory. Glasgow can be hurt, but never beyond a point of healing.

Buchanan Street, photo taken from the Concert Hall steps. The steps at the top of Buchanan Street are a true Glasgow institution, used for lunchtime dining al fresco during the week, and protests, demonstrations, and general meeting place at weekends. You are afforded one of the best views of the city, and it also gently reminds us of the establishment of the Scottish Parliament, with the wonderful statue of Donald Dewar.

"The statue with the cone on his head", the Duke of Wellington has seen it all. He is never seen without his pointy hat. I love this. I get requests to photo him regularly; people who aren't from Glasgow seem fascinated by the cone! He is usually always photographed from the front but I like the view of him from just outside the Gallery of Modern Art, another stunning building. Providing shelter on a bad day and the most amazing visual treats within, it's a real place to see!

I walk past the City Chambers every working day; it is beautiful. George Square holds particular memories for me. During the referendum, it was a special meeting place. I see George Square as I leave Glasgow, and it is there upon my return; I can never stop photographing it. A place steeped in such a great , vibrant, and mixed history. I came here on the night of September 18, 2014.

Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum. Yet another place I can walk around with my eyes shut. It's a stunning building, both inside and out, the rumour being that it was built back to front. I think that's why the building is accessible from both sides. Ever-changing contents but the elephant always remains. A great place to wander on a cold and wet day. Especially if you are lucky enough to catch the magnificent organ being played. Memories set in stone.

I can't wax lyrical without mentioning my favourite band, can I? Chvrches are a wee band from Glasgow that are doing rather well. I saw them live a few weeks ago at The Hydro. We locals sometimes call it The Pie. The Hydro is a great venue, the sound is amazing, and it can hold almost every single member of the SNP. Ahem. Nicola Sturgeon has filled it too, I believe...

Follow Elaine Campbell on Twitter: SparkleMonkey.