Cara

Welcome!

My bet is on Rambling Minster too. I won last year, so here's hoping again this year

Well decided to take the car Staying in the Marriott (fingers crossed the on site car park is okay). Will take some pics lol The hotel is meant to be okay, and I'm hoping to make use of the pool/sauna/etc. Woohoo, shopping here I come

Immy, the incident in February was apparently largely down to weather - the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) found that the pilot flew into a "bank of fog" and couldn't identify the rig platform. It was a 'controlled ditching' (if you can call it that) where all crew and passengers escaped safely and the craft was largely intact. This time is different. It is too early for any conclusions to be definitely made, as recovery and investigations are currently ongoing, but its clear that something went disastrously wrong. Apparently, there was just enough time for a mayday signal to be put out, before the chopper hit the sea hard. Don't think anybody had a chance in those circumstances. I would speculate possibly something to do with the rotor or gearbox, but don't know yet.... Extremely sad times, sombre mood around here. One of the men tragically killed is a friend of a friend

Been following this all afternoon. Truly awful and utterly devastating for the families involved. So worrying..... I can only imagine how they must be feeling.

Lovely wheels

Ouch

Aww bless!

Safe & secure parking, especially overnight. Yes, I'm a little over-protective

It's just over 3 hours, but I know what you mean But I can't quite bring myself to pay the exorbitant train fare when the bus is less than half the price..... (no jokes about Aberdonians please! ) Sounds good, simples! I will do, I am still undecided on the plans, I am so indecisive. Still really want to take the Zed but my head is telling me otherwise. My pics will all be of shops - shoes and handbags anyone?

Yip, none Sods law!

Good call, I'll take one with a hot tub

So sorry to hear this. Take care through this tough time.

I think I've decided to use the bus.......... but thanks very much Jay, very nice of you (or should I say your parents)

I'm getting used to it and I can appreciate all the hard work that went into it One thing though that I do miss is the ability to 'hover' over a topic title to see the beginning, rather than having to click into the thread. I don't seem to be able to do that now? Edited: Oops, just saw a discussion about this in the Site Suggestions & Feedback section. Ignore me!

Thanks very much guys for the info, much appreciated I've parked in the Buchanan Galleries before Jay, I didn't realise they do overnight, so that might be a thought. I certainly don't mind a bit of a walk considering it's all through shops Chris, what did you think of the Malmaison itself? I looked at there myself, but it was fully booked anyway. Looks lovely though. Jim, thanks for all the info, funnily enough I looked at the Hilton too. It's just really difficult to know when they say 'parking available' exactly how decent it is etc. So I appreciate all the advice. Idea of hiring a small car might be something for me to look into - I hadn't thought of that. I don't want to incur any unnecessary expense, for a no-reason spur of the moment one-night away, but if I can find a cheap enough deal then that might be a solution. I have to say though that it is looking more and more like Megabus maybe Not ideal, but probably save myself some worry and hassle.

I'm looking to take a trip down to Glasgow next weekend, just an overnight stay on the Saturday, to do some shopping etc. I'm looking at the Radisson city centre, amongst a few others, all pretty central (usually stay at Jurys Inn but the pool/sauna/spa etc at the Radisson sounds very tempting ) but I wonder if anyone can advise what the parking is like round about? I have stayed in Glasgow many times, but I usually take the train so I'm not sure about parking. The hotel says it has off-site valet parking, but I've read this just means paying for the privilege for them to drive it down to the local NCP/such-like and I'd rather do that myself... What I want to know is if there is any safe and secure parking (and whether this costs an arm and a leg!)? Bit wary of taking the Z, but the only other alternative is the Megabus............ Either that, or I look into hotels slightly out of the city which have good on-site parking and easy transport links to the centre (will be wanting to do shopping and a meal/drinks at night) but that's just not as handy as being right in the centre. Any advice? Locals?

I saw........... wait for it......... drum roll please................ Grand total of.............. 0!!!! In my defense, my commute home is 10-15 mins through the city centre........ Damn, no cake for me!

Oh no, gutted!! I remember you mentioning this the other day. Sorry to hear that Nic, but you've done well to go this long without! (know how you feel, haven't had any either as yet....)

You know it! Must remember to at the next meet!

Does it happen often

I have a 10-15 minute drive home through town, and double points for me all the way then Can I still have the cake rather than the men's pink shirt though, not much use to me

I didn't know if it was right..... I could have said 'I know' and been wrong! Impressed you entertained the possiblity of being wrong

Stew!! You're meant to just say 'I know' and smile mysteriously! (even I, being female, managed to keep my mouth shut)

This pink shirt is getting everywhere this afternoon.......