Outing to the Tall Ship at the Riverside and Glasgow Cathedral - Monday 9 May 2022

There were 34 of us in our first group visit to Glasgow (plus one who met us there.). All of us very well prepared for the rainy day. Our driver was Isla who is brilliant at coping with the huge bus.
A quick decision was made to avoid Corstorphine as we headed to Dobbies at Livingston for the ‘Coffee Stop’. I heard positive comments about that and recommend the flat white.
The staff at The Tall Ship are friendly and helpful. Vera came in her boiler suit to welcome us, warn us about the wet ship and then we were free to view it as we wished. She went back to rubbing teak oil into an old box. There was lots of information about its past and ongoing restoration.
Our rainwear was needed for the walk from the coach to the Cathedral. It was my first time there and it is magnificent. Most of the stained glass windows were replaced in the 50s and 60s. They are beautiful and compliment the ancient building. My neck got sore with all the ‘looking up’. If it had been dry I’d have walked round the gardens. Some found a pub round the corner (recommended by the shop girls) so had coffee (so they told me!).
We arrived at the Leapark Hotel in Grangemouth in plenty time for drinks to be bought before our meal was served. Compliments all round for service and delicious, generous food.
A very good day.
Liz Staples