THISTLE SOCIETY, WIGAN - GLASGOW HOLIDAY 2007

by Agnes Walker (Thistle Society, Wigan), Thursday, 27th September 2007

On Tuesday 21st August, a party of 33 members and friends set off, with eager anticipation, for a 6 day coach holiday in Glasgow. It was good weather for travelling, and the excellent weather was to continue for the duration of the holiday, apart from an hiccough in the form of rain on Saturday morning. We arrived at the well appointed Argyll Hotel, in Sauchiehall Street , mid-afternoon; Moffat, the picturesque town, having been our lunch stop. Our hotel was on the outskirts of the city and just minutes away from Kelvingrove Park .

We visited New Lanark Heritage Site on Wednesday. It was so interesting and there was so much to do and see. Many of the party walked along the falls of Clyde Wildlife Reserve . It was most spectacular - a veritable photographer's paradise. The Victorian schoolroom, the millworkers' cottage, the village store and Robert Owen's house were also enthralling. A tasty lunch was had at the Mill Pantry.

Thursday was the day we sailed to The Isle of Arran , which is known as Scotland in miniature. We sailed from Ardrossan and it took almost an hour. It was magical seeing Arran and Goatfell (the highest mountain) getting closer. Some of the party took a bus and had a tour of the island. Others took the bus to Brodick Castle, Garden and Country Park . The rest walked along the promenade and through woods to the castle and grounds. The gardens were well worth seeing. As for the castle it was lavishly furnished and was a joy to behold. After a most enjoyable day, we sailed back to the mainland. We had a "moreish" high tea at the Bosun's Table at Largs . Then a little roaming in the gloaming before journeying back to Glasgow.

Friday was the day we visited charming Callander . In the afternoon we sailed on Loch Katrine . It was a pleasant experience. Some of the party sampled the speciality drinks on board the "Sir Walter Scott" (coffee and whisky) and the "Rob Roy" (drinking chocolate and brandy) went down a treat. After the sailing we visited Loch Lomond Shores . In the evening we went to the Whiteinch Community Centre to a Scottish Country dance hosted by the Glasgow branch of the R.S.C.D.S. We were made very welcome and tasty refreshments were served. Also present were some Scottish Country dancers from Connecticut. The dance programme was quite varied. Included was "Salute to Glasgow", a strathspey which was written by one of their members to celebrate their 75th anniversary in l998. We also did "Fun and Flirtation"; a strathspey written by one of the American party.

As stated previously, Saturday morning it rained, but it didn't dampen our spirits. We boarded the City Sightseeing Bus. Much was learned about the largest city in Scotland, from the recorded commentary. We marvelled at the wonderful ornate architecture abounding. People could board and leave the bus as they pleased, and generally do their own thing. The bus ticket was valid for 2 days and what one didn't find time for then could be visited on Sunday morning. There was so much of interest to visit and view, that it is impossible to list them all.

At some time or other over the week, many of our party visited the Kelvingrove Museum and Art Gallery. It was well worth a visit, and a week would be needed to see everything in this vast array of exhibits.

On our last night (Saturday) we had a Ceilidh in our hotel. The impromptu turns were most entertaining, and a wealth of talent was displayed. The gifted Williams sisters, Rebecca and Katie, performed admirably on the violin and flute. Josie gave a display of her exotic Egyptian dancing; Joan, Kathleen and Frank recited humorous verse. There was a comedy sketch and various other turns. David, our coach driver, joined in the entertainment with great gusto.

Sunday morning was free to do one's own thing. We left in the early afternoon to return home. There was the obligatory stop at Moffat, for yet more shopping, before crossing back over the border.

A good time had been had by all. We were reassuringly refreshed from our scenic Scottish holiday. Without doubt, a big thanks was due to Janet, Kathleen and Margaret for their meticulous planning of the super sojourn in Bonnie Scotland.