The ship and her crew will spend nine days in the city

Warship HMS Glasgow, a veteran of the Falklands and East Timor, is expected to arrive at Yorkhill Quay at 0800 BST and will be open to the public from 1400-1700 BST until Sunday.

Her commanding officer, Mike Wainhouse, said it was a wonderful opportunity to "renew close links and auld acquaintances".

The vessel is due to take part in a major Nato exercise and a six month global deployment after her stay.

Commander Wainhouse said the ship's company of 250 are also looking forward to sampling Glasgow's world famous hospitality and the vibrant cultural activities.

He added: "I am very much looking forward to bringing HMS Glasgow into her affiliated city and giving the people of Glasgow the chance to visit their warship."

During the stay, the boat will play host to a number of official events including a careers forum for local career advisors and visits from local colleges, schools and sea cadets.

I am very much looking forward to bringing HMS Glasgow into her affiliated city and giving the people of Glasgow the chance to visit their warship Commander Mike Wainhouse

Teams of sailors will provide a working party to tackle maintenance and renovation work at Kelbourne School for physically impaired children - HMS Glasgow's adopted charity.

The school's headmistress will also be presented with a cheque for the money raised via fund raising activities onboard.

Members of the ship's company will also take on local teams at a variety of sporting events from football to netball, golf and even a rugby match against Strathclyde Police.

It is 18 months since the ship last visited Glasgow and during much of this time she has undergone maintenance as well as providing manpower to cover the fire-fighters' dispute.

Crisis response

During the last six months she has been busy at sea undergoing machinery trials and preparing for front-line operations.

Her first duty after Glasgow will be to take part in the huge Nato exercise off Scotland.

This Exercise Northern Light 03 is a showcase opportunity for elements of the new Nato Response Force (NRF) and takes place in the Irish Sea, on the west coast of Scotland and in Brittany from 15-26 September.