"Translation company seeks speakers of Glaswegian English with knowledge of vocabulary, accent, nuances, to meet interpreting needs of clients who find it an unexpected challenge," the ad reads. It was placed by Today Translations which said the advert was in response to requests from visitors and foreign businessmen. The company said that Glasgow was the only city in the UK for which it was seeking interpreters, but Liverpool and Newcastle could be next on the list.

Jurga Zilinskiene, the owner of the company, is a Lithuanian who has lived in Britain for many years and speaks fluent English. She told how she ran into difficulties this summer when she was in Lanark on holiday and spent some time with Glaswegians. She had particular difficulties over the meaning of the word "baltic" which in Glasgow means cold but, to a Lithuanian, can only refer to the sea.

"We could have a laugh about it when we realised the misunderstanding... but that was usually a good bit later," Ms Zilinskiene said. "It was a big eye opener. I found it quite challenging although I have lived in this country and spoken English for quite a few years and travelled a lot and usually I do get by with my English - but not with the Glaswegians." But former Lord Provost of Glasgow Alex Mosson commented: "It's a lot of tripe. I travelled the world as Lord Provost and nobody failed to understand me."

The original was here