The Paisley Stroll and Last Call 13th Dec 2019

Sunrise was not until 8.34am. Our included Full Scottish Breakfast was delicious with Bacon, Egg, Sausage, Mushrooms, Tomato, Bakebeans, Potato Scone and a slice of Black Pudding. Although we didn’t finish it, we did at least try the Black Pudding which we both feel is an acquired taste!

After Breakfast, we got prepared for our day to explore Paisley. Much to our surprise the Arctic Blast and forecast of -10 across Scotland was not evident, with partially cloudy but gorgeous blue skies and sunshine. There had been rain overnight so the ground was wet and whilst a bit brisk around 5 degrees prefect for exploring on foot.

We started with a few snaps around the hotel. Then we took a walk around the town’s major landmarks, Sma’ Shot Cottages (which were unfortunately closed), Brown Lane with its amazing murals, The Paisley Centre (where we got a coffee and met Tom (Tam) an interesting “Scottish” shop owner. Whilst at the shopping centre I picked up a few things for our Christmas/Wedding on Skye as well as some need cough medicine and toiletries.

The Paisley Town Hall was very impressive but the jewel in the crown was Paisely Abbey. Our trip mascot, Morag the Highland Coo, (who had stowed away in my case) joined us and sneakily came inside for an audio tour. The ladies in the gift shop were helpful in setting up the tour for just 2 GBP and I bought a 1963 sixpence to put in my shoe for the wedding. The Abby was beautiful and fascinating, we spoke with some locals and the Provost, who were busy rehearsing for the upcoming Christmas service and erecting a huge tree inside. The Abby has a long history, the Cradle of the Stuarts, with several Scottish Monarchs are buried there including Queen Marjory Bruce (Daughter of Robert the Bruce) who died there following a horse riding accident whilst pregnant, although she died, the baby was saved and her son became King Robert II - first of the Stewart Kings and ancestor to the current Queen Elizabeth II. Whilst there I lit a candle for my son, Kyle who died on 24.1.2016.

The evening dinner was a Steak Pie with a pint for Vince and Macaroni Cheese and a Glenfiddich and Dry (called Ginger Ale here) before meeting up with some of my Greenock relatives…Aunty Mary, Uncle John and Aunt Margaret, Cousin Mary and her son David, Cousin Christine and her husband Douglas, and Cousin Caroline. There was much to catch up on with some I hadn’t seen in 12 years or more - taking us to last drinks at the Watermill. A gift of some malt whiskey and shortbread from John and Mags will be a real treat on our further travels North.