Established in 1995 in anticipation of Glasgow's role as UK City of Architecture and Design in1999, the Lighthouse is a tall and thin gallery occupying what was once a warehouse at the back of an old printing office. Odd as it may look, it was actually designed by Charles Rennie Mackintosh. Appropriately,  the Lighthouse pays tribute to Glasgow's most famous architect with a permanent exhibition on the third floor. The best place to start is the top. It's a bit of a climb on foot but the view is rewarding. Alternatively you can take the lift to the sixth floor and step out into the small viewing platform for a panoramic view of the city. An architectural delight which will set you up for the gallery: Scotland's Centre for Architecture, Design and the City. On other floors, there are changing exhibitions showcasing the work of international architects and designers working in fields as diverse as poster-making and product design. As you’d expect, The Lighthouse shop sells designer led gifts, books and home ware. No cheesy nicknaks here.