The Beatings Will Continue Until Morale Improves...: Scotland

Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Scotland - Glasgow

Our day started with a pre-ordered taxi ride from the Obel apartment to the Stena ferry terminal - luckily our crazy driver knew the way well and sped us quickly through the industrial sprawl. We were way early as is our wont, but had pre-arranged a "coach and sail" with Hannon - you board a bus, it drives onto the Stena ferry, you get off the bus and enjoy the ferry crossing....then on the other side you get back off the bus and drive off.

In this case, the coach would take us from Belfast in Northern Ireland, across the Irish Sea to Cairnryan in Scotland, and on to Glasgow. We didn't want to jinx anything until we actually touched soil on Scotland, given all the issues we have had trying to get to Scotland in the past.

It was a big ferry, considerably larger than most we've been on, with a capacity of 660 cars. Given the limited public transit options on the Scotland side, it seemed like the best way to get to Glasgow. Moreover, our friends had never been on a ferry of any size, so it was an experience for them. We grabbed food, had a Guinness in the lounge, and took the opportunity to enjoy a calm crossing and two and a half hours on the high seas.

Once the coach drove off into Scotland, we had made it - though we had a quick passport security check before we cleared the terminal area. Roughly 24 years after trying to come to Scotland the first time (literally on 9/11 with the same friends) - and another attempt foiled by COVID - it was finally official!

A scenic two-hour tour up the west coast of Scotland followed as the bus meandered along the winding A77 on the way to Glasgow. Arriving at Buchanan Bus Station, we shouldered our packs and made the ten-minute trek through afternoon crowds to our accommodations for the next two nights.

After a quick stop at a nearby convenience store (and "keynest") to pick up the keys, we landed at 45 Mitchell, where we had a lovely penthouse apartment lined up. There was a great balcony on two sides with a panorama overlooking the downtown, and a close view of the iconic Lighthouse building (Charles Rennie Mackintosh) across the street. A nearby Tesco Express afforded us groceries.

For the next day and a half, we explored Glasgow on foot. Highlights included the Cathedral and neighbouring Necropolis cemetery, with a commanding view of the city. We met a nice local man walking his daughter's dog in the Necropolis, and strolled with him for a bit to absorb some local tidbits.

We also enjoyed shopping on the Buchanan Street pedestrian zone, and walking the downtown area around our apartment. We quickly found a suitable pub around the corner, enjoying The Horse Shoe both nights for many round of Tennant's. On the second night, we even spotted a low-key Pierce Brosnan enjoying a pint in casual garb whilst watching a football (soccer) game.

I did make the mistake of admitting that Jane had some allergies in relation to the garlic bread we ordered at the pub - they were alerted when I asked them to make sure "no cheese". They take allergies VERY seriously at pubs in Glasgow. One of the bartenders produced a tablet that Jane had to read with all the ingredients and sign an electronic waiver and even then it took forever to get the garlic bread, because they had to clean down the entire kitchen first. Sigh. More time for beer.

Back at the apartment, we took a few last looks off the balcony and packed our re-jigged bags with added souvenirs, in anticipation of an early morning train off into the rugged Scottish lochs and hills.