With shopping in the area not exactly at its best in the run-up to Christmas — let’s be honest, we’re seriously lacking decent shops in town — I started wondering where else there was to go.
That’s when I spotted a McGills advert for mystery trips, starting from £10, promising festive destinations. Curiosity got the better of me and I was booked and ready to go. Unfortunately, my first trip was cancelled a few weeks beforehand due to low numbers, but I was determined not to be put off and rebooked onto another bus.
Even better, I was upgraded to a £12 seat — whooo whooo! The Tam of Still Game in me genuinely felt like I’d just won a watch.
The day of travel arrived — which also happened to be the day of Storm Bram. With a 9am pick-up at Wallneuk in Paisley, our driver for the day, Alan, got us underway. After two further pick-ups in Glasgow and Hamilton, we set off towards our mystery destination.
Just after midday, the secret was revealed: Caledonia Park at Gretna Gateway Outlet Village.
We were given three hours there, which was more than enough time to grab a bite to eat and have a proper wander. Food choices were plentiful, with options including Pizza Express, Starbucks, Greggs, Burger King, Churro Loco, The Cornish Bakery, Costa Coffee and Subway, to name just a few.
Then there were the shops — and there were a lot of them. From Adidas, Nike, Tommy Hilfiger, Calvin Klein and Polo Ralph Lauren, to Next Outlet, M&S Outlet, Superdry, Levi’s and Jack & Jones. Outdoor and lifestyle brands like Berghaus, Mountain Warehouse, Trespass and Rohan were well represented, while gift and homeware lovers could browse Le Creuset, Denby, Lakeland Leather, Procook and The Sweet Emporium. There were also favourites like The Body Shop, Molton Brown, Rituals, Lindt, Hallmark and even Kate Spade New York.
All in all, it was a cracking day out — excellent value for money, well organised from start to finish, and a refreshing alternative to the usual pre-Christmas shopping stress. From the friendly driver to the smooth journey and the surprise destination itself, everything just worked.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. For £12, it felt like a proper wee adventure, and sometimes that’s exactly what’s needed. A brilliant idea, brilliantly delivered — 10 out of 10 ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Paisley Photographs 