Thread: Inchcolm (Scotland) shipmeet Board: Oblivion / Ship of Fools.


To visit this thread, use this URL:
http://forum.ship-of-fools.com/cgi-bin/ultimatebb.cgi?ubb=get_topic;f=70;t=022854

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
As there seems to be enough interest on the Scotland thread so thought it was time to start a separate thread. People have expressed an interest in visiting Inchcolm So lets start discussing dates etc.
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
According to the timetable the first boat out this year is on 31st March. We're away that weekend, but as far as I know are currently pretty flexible for weekends in April. I'm presuming the later ferry (2pm) would be best for enabling those from more northern climes to get there, but I'd be happy with any of them (I guess 10am might be a bit early).
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
According to Scotrail we could be in Dalmeny by 10.45, and then it's a 15 min walk from the station to the pier.
 

---

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
There are additional boat trips with other operators. Forth boat tours have sailings basically midway between the operator already given.

Would the long Easter weekend be a problem? Or should we be looking for later in the month?
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
The inlaws (and possibly the parentals, though hopefully not at the same time) are planning on visiting one long weekend in April, but we're not sure yet which one. Hopefully they'll let us know this weekend and we can then rule ourselves out of another weekend for this meet. We're both really keen to come to this one. Thanks Surfing for offering to organise it, and Derf for suggesting Inchcolm, what a great idea!
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
Sorry to double post - just realised I know already I can't make Saturday 21st April, as I am teaching in Glasgow that day.

Really hoping I don't turn into the Awkward Squad for this one!
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
Plans for Easter weekend aren't sorted here but we may have visitors. The sczlet and I are away the 14/15th, the other April weekends don't yet have plans but may do. Which I guess equates to don't plan around us!
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
How about the weekend of the May bank holiday, Sat 5th May?
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
I'll keep an eye out for this.

Whether I can come at all will depend largely upon the temperament of the smudge, which we will not know until she arrives.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
We are waiting for news, Dafyd. Must be soon now.

Hope all is going well.
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
All is going well. The situation at the moment is that Smudge will arrive when she (or he) is ready and she's not committing herself as to when that will be.
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
That sounds to be the way of these things! Hope all continues to go well; we look forward to hearing news.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Late April/early May would be better for me. There is not a hope in hell of me being available at a weekend between now and then! (I have one Saturday unaccounted for and it's mine, all mine I tell you...)
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
That first May bank holiday weekend should be good for us too. I now know we can't do the weekend of 14/15 April (the weekend after Easter), and what with tutorials and my parents also planning on coming up I think May would be better all round (though towards the end of May I have another lot of tutorials! No rest for the wicked).
 

---

Posted by Macgyver's Apprentice (# 603) on :
 
I'm free any weekend. Reading the other posts, early May looks most suitable.
 

---

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
I'm tentatively interested in May dates.

Thank you North East Quine for the heads-up. By the way, your PM box is full tae burstin'.

Cattyish, it looks a sociable sort of year.
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Just thought I'd bump this up to see what people are thinking about dates etc now.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
As Alan says, there are at least two boat operators. They don't appear to like each other and therefore don't let on about each other's sailings. Also, it's important to be aware that, if you sail too late in the day, the boat may only sail around the island and not actually land. Which is rather a bummer if you wish to explore the abbey itself.

Certainly as at a couple of years ago (more up to date info may be needed), One of the tour operators include a bus from Waverley Station in the cost of the ticket, which makes it very convenient. Otherwise you have to get to S. Queensferry independently, walk down onto the pier yourself and take the next available boat (which may not actually be advertised at the pier office, depending on boat operator).
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
While we're not definites to come at any point, I think I or we are more likely to come the later in April we are flattening out in May.
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
I can't get my brain to think straight about any of this. Shall we do a doodle poll to see which dates people can do?

OK, I've answered my own question by setting one up. Shall we see if it works - if you fancy coming go to here and add your name and the dates you can do. I put Sat and Sun for the last 2 weekends in April and all of May. Most popular date can win, or not as the case may be!
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
Oh, and I've filled it in for us, but everything in life round here is provisional at the moment because my organising skills appear to have disappeared somewhere.
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Thanks Derf. I will find my diary and fill in the relevant days.
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
I have filled it in for TME and me. Saturdays in May are mostly not great for me due to tutorial teaching and essay marking, but Sundays should be OK mostly.

Really looking forward to this meet, whenever it is
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Some Saturdays in May are possible, Sundays are right out (having a committment to turn up & sing at both morning & evensong tends to use up the day rather!).

I could also do Bank HOliday Monday, 7th...
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
Commitments on a Sunday? That's shocking behaviour that is
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Isn't it just. It would all be much simpler if it weren't for Evensong....
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Just wondering if anyone else who had expressed an interest earlier on wanted to vote?
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
I'd prefer not to vote, since at the moment we're not really able to plan more than a week ahead at a time.
 

---

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
Is next month realistic? I realise that if not next month, then we're dangerously close to summer holidays.

I'm realising that really the only Sunday I have free in May is the 20th, which means that weekend would be my best bet, but it suits few others. North East Quine was interested too, so I'll maybe nudge her.

Cattyish, still hopeful.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Yes! Still interested, sometime in May. I haven't filled it in yet, because I'm waiting to find out Chips plans for May. April definitely out, though. The weekend of 26/27 May is also out for us.

Will try to fill it in ASAP.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
I've filled in the poll, though Sat. 26th is a bit uncertain. I can't really do Sundays unless the trip starts fairly well into the afternoon - from c.2.30pm at the earliest. Hopefully it will work out, but don't try and work round me!
 

---

Posted by Macgyver's Apprentice (# 603) on :
 
Unfortunately, the voting link doesn't work for me. Any date in May is likely to suit me.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
D'oh... sorry, I hadn't spotted there was a doodle poll. I've now filled it in (the link worked fine for me, Macgyver).
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Ok time is moving on and no one else has responded so hall we go for the 12th May? (that or the 26th May are the days that most people can manage.)
 

---

Posted by Macgyver's Apprentice (# 603) on :
 
12th May will be fine for me.
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
Of the Saturdays that we can't do, the 12th is the one that is most doable for us (if I remain in denial about all the essays I will need to mark in 1 day rather than 2!). 19th and 26th are definitely out for me, so I'd be happy for a consensus on the 12th.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
I can do 12th. (Note: need to hassle HS as they've not sent me a new card yet...)
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
I've looked at timetables and only one of the companies seem to be running on that day. Also they are running from North Queensferry that day. I've e-mailed to see if we need to book.
 

---

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
The Maid of the Forth has sailings with 90 mins at Inchholm departing S Queensferry at 1215 and 1400. Forth Boat Tours likewise have sailings with 90 mins on Inchholm at 1115, 1300 and 1500 - also from S Queensferry. Unless I'm totally misreading the meanings of the blue and red circles and triangles on the timetables.
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
The ability to read the right weeks timetable would help!! We need to make a plan, if we book as a group we'll need to work out who's going, and collect money in advance. It would appear that if we go with Forth boats tours we could all book individual which might be easier? How do people feel about meeting for a picnic first then getting the 3pm boat? If people want to go for dinner afterwards we could look at food options?
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
12th is good for us. Is it cheaper if we book as a group? Unless it's a lot cheaper it sounds like a lot of work for someone to try and collect money in advance, and then there's the complications of HS/EH memberships to deal with.

Are they likely to be fully booked or would we be OK just turning up? The one time we've been there'd've been no problem just turning up, but I can't for the life of me remember when in the year that was.
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
As far as I can tell it doesn't make any difference, but I can't make it tell me if there is a booking fee etc.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
(Forgive me commenting on this thread again when I'm not actually going this time) - it might be useful to know, though, that I just turned up in August and there was plenty of space. I guess it would only be a problem if a large group pre-booked, but that could happen at any time of the year.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Full of chips and I think we can manage the 12th.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
I have a poke of sweeties which will definitely be attending!
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
What's the earliest plausible time to catch the boat? Also, how long would be spent on the island? We won't try to bring the Dafling on a boat trip, but her mum might bring her out to meet people if you gather in the morning.
 

---

Posted by Jack the Lass (# 3415) on :
 
I'm really sorry, but having looked at my diary again and realised that I have two courses submitting essays that week rather than the one I originally thought, I have to be realistic that there's no way I can mark essays for two courses in just one day, so TME and I will be pulling out of this meet as I really need to work (I know he could come without me, but we'll go another time as an adventure when I don't have evil essays chasing me around).
 

---

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
I'm in, and will bring something tasty. Maybe something savoury.

Cattyish, still gallivantin'
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Cattyish, Full of Chips and I will be travelling down together.
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
I've just realised how much study I have to do in the next few weeks. I'm still hoping to make the meet, but will not be around on the ship (will check in at the weekend but that is it.) Derf has kindly agreed to do any sorting.
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
OK, so I think we have:

Derf, scz and sczlet
NEQ and Full of Chips
Cattyish
Kingsfold
Cottontail
Joan Knox
Clan Cresswell
Macgyver's Apprentice
Surfing Madness

with a possible appearance from the Dafling. (Babies like boats you know.... Or at least ours coped fine with the ferry to Amsterdam). From what Alan says I think it's 90 minutes on the island, which if I remember rightly is plenty of time to walk to the Abbey and around it, and I think there was a little shop/toilets by the ferry.

Those travelling from the far north, what time will you be arriving? That will certainly help determine what time boat we get. If we can decide on a boat I'll give them a ring and see if we're likely to be OK without booking in advance.

Surfing made the suggestion that we meet for a picnic beforehand and/or have dinner afterwards - do either of those appeal? Would the Dafling be up for a picnic? If I remember rightly there are some nice restaurants in S. Queensferry although I don't think they're the cheapest.

Is there anything else we need to think of?
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
Cattyish is driving and collecting us en route, so I'll leave it to her to estimate our ETA. However, I'd guess middayish.

We like the picnic idea. Is there somewhere to go if the weather isn't picnic friendly?

Surfing Madness suggested the 3pm boat, but as that's the last boat of the day, would it be better to aim for an earlier one, and then still have a fall-back if an unusually large party beat us to the earlier one?
 

---

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
If we leave your place at 9am we should comfortably be there for 12 noon (going by Google maps).

I can do that if it suits North East Quine and Full of Chips.

Bring CDs or a plug-in player for the car my passengers. I only have opera and pop to listen to and I'm sure you can do better!

Cattyish, car ready.
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 
We'd prefer an earlier meet. At the moment the plan here is that I'll come whatever the time. My wife and Dafling may or may not see me off or come along depending on what we think the Dafling's pattern of the day is by then.
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
Well, we could aim for the 1300 boat which would give plenty of time for people to gather from all directions and some leeway for traffic etc. Plus possible picnicking time, although I'm not sure where there is to picnic - I'll investigate. Would that be early enough to work for you Dafyd?

Previous one is 1215 which I guess might be pushing it a bit for the northern crowd.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
I can finally confirm that I have the day off, and would be very pleased to spend it with shipmates. See you there.
 

---

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
So the Northerners and Surfing Madness will likely arrive together.

Excellent sharing of resources here.
Cattyish, chauffeur.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
OK, I'm probably being a bit of a ditz but...

Are we aiming for the 1300 boat?
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
We are if people agree that's sensible!
 

---

Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
I was just about to mark this in the official Clan Cresswell Diary when I noticed our church's Spring Fete is also that day. I shall have to consult with the hubby-type person after he returns from doing mad scientist stuff today to decide what we're going to do. If we do Inchcolm with you, the 1300 boat would work for us!
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
As Cattyish has already said I'll be getting a lift with her.
Just checking. Are we bringing our own lunches, or doing a bring and share moment?
 

---

Posted by Macgyver's Apprentice (# 603) on :
 
SM,

Probably best to bring our own lunches. It's taken us long enough to agree dates and times for the meet
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Macgyver's Apprentice:
SM,

Probably best to bring our own lunches. It's taken us long enough to agree dates and times for the meet

---

You saying we are indecisive?
 

---

Posted by Gwai (# 11076) on :
 
Well, on one hand, you guys did decide to have a meet relatively quickly, but on the other hand...

Okay, I'll stop
 

---

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
I'm open to swapping things if someone wants to barter for my lunch! I'll probably just have a few loaves and a couple of fish though.

Cattyish, breadmaker at the ready.
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
Loaves and fishes eh? So there'll be enough for all of us

I think bring our own and potentially barter sounds like the way to go.

Just had a play with the booking website and it says there are 22 places left for the 1300 sailing. Dunno whether that's just what they allocate to online bookings - I'll give them a ring tomorrow and see what they say. There are plenty on the 1500 but that's probably a bit late. 1215 and 1400 (the other company) seem to have plenty of space.

Random info about South Queensferry

In terms of potential picnicking, we could sit on the quayside, or there's King George V park by the road bridge. No idea what it's like, but it's a green space on google maps! The boats have a bar on them and sell snacks but I imagine you can get away with eating sandwiches on them.

Did anyone want to have dinner afterwards? If so possible restaurants in South Queensferry include (from a quick google) the Boat House, the Railbridge Bistro, the Hawes Inn, and the Two Bridges. Or we could head elsewhere. Whether we'd join you depends if we can face the journey home with a screaming sczlet - apparently being in the car in the evening is absolute torture.
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
OK, I've just spoken to the woman at Forth Tours who says whether we can just turn up and get on probably depends on the weather (ie if it's sunny they're likely to be busy). She advises booking. However she didn't say that there were already a load of bookings for that sailing or anything and the online thing was offering me 35 this morning, so I suspect the 22 was just an anomaly of some sort and it picks numbers out of the air!

She did say that South Queensferry's a pretty place to kill time if you have to (and I guess if it's busy cos it's sunny then it'll be nice to be out and about), so if we had to wait for the next boat it wouldn't be the end of the world (and actually we could go with their competitors at 1400, who I'm pretty sure have a ticket office on the pier so we could buy tickets then go for a wander).

So, I propose we aim for the 1300 boat. It apparently arrives about 15 mins beforehand and you buy tickets at the boat. Picnickers could gather any time from 12, everyone meet at the boat (Hawes Pier) at 1245. Don't forget your Historic Scotland/English Heritage cards if you have them.

Does that sound like a sensible plan? If anyone wants my mobile number in case of problems meeting up and doesn't have it PM me.
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
That sounds sensible to me.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 
Thanks Derf,

I was hoping someone would just tell me where & when I needed to turn up!
Next question... would i be better bringing the car over (which means I can be flexible on return time) or should I be public spirited and take a train/bus? Decisions decisions!
 

---

Posted by Derf (# 2093) on :
 
Can't make that decision for you....
 

---

Posted by Dafyd (# 5549) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Derf:
So, I propose we aim for the 1300 boat. It apparently arrives about 15 mins beforehand and you buy tickets at the boat. Picnickers could gather any time from 12, everyone meet at the boat (Hawes Pier) at 1245.

---

quote:

---

And was that singing I heard at one point?

---

possibly...

I did test the acoustics of both the warming room and the chapter house. So if you were hearing plainsong, I'm probably the guilty party. If, on the other hand, you're referring to the Schubert Ave Maria I heard, it quite definitely wasn't me!

(haven't downloaded the photos yet, but will post in due course)

[ 13. May 2012, 20:45: Message edited by: kingsfold ]
 

---

Posted by North East Quine (# 13049) on :
 
The Schubert Ave Maria was Full of Chips, trying out the acoustics in the Chapter House.
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
If you enjoyed the trip, you might like Inchmahome Priory (Between Aberfoyle and Dunblane, reached by a boat across a lake), another time.
 

---

Posted by kingsfold (# 1726) on :
 

quote:

---

The Schubert Ave Maria was Full of Chips, trying out the acoustics in the Chapter House.

---

quote:

---

That was Full of Chips? Wow - I was impressed. You don't want to move to Glasgow so I can steal him for my church choir do you?

And that acoustic was rather splendid, wasn't it. I heard him & couldn't quite work out where it was coming from, so had to test out the spaces for myself.

---

I'm originally from Glasgow, that's why I'm Full of Chips. No plans to return though, too happy in Aberdeenshire.
The acoustics were great. I also highly recommend the Sacristy at Arbroath Abbey.
 

---

Posted by Cottontail (# 12234) on :
 
It was truly a lovely day - perfect weather and excellent company. The singing was a highlight! Beautiful voice, Full of Chips.
 

---

Posted by Full of Chips (# 13669) on :
 
NEQ:

quote:

---

Puffins find their way back to their own burrows year after year by "magic", who knew?

---

Drag, the Magic Puffin, knew.
 

---

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
We should all sing sometime! How about we make a deal about who takes the tuning fork and who does which part?
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
Hope you got some great photos. My favourite part was when the boat travelled under the Forth Bridges - they looked so flimsy from underneath, and yet you feel so reassured when travelling over them.
 

---

Posted by Alan Cresswell (# 31) on :
 
The rail bridge looks anything but flimsy. "Conservative overengineering" as the Undiscovered Scotland link said is an understatement.
 

---

Posted by Flausa (# 3466) on :
 
Though for some reason since our trip on Saturday, TheBoy has been a bit obsessed by watching a Thomas and Friends episode in which the railway bridge collapses!
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
When I was little I loved this book, but it did talk about rail bridge disasters, which scared me a little!
 

---

Posted by joan knox (# 16100) on :
 
Nooooooo! I missed this???

Blasted deadline completely overtook my thoughts and did not realise the date at all - I think in my head I had vaguely thought it was this week. Vague being the apparently operative word. Ratorama.
Sorry to have missed it but glad you all had a brill time.

*wanders off muttering at own stupidity*

B*gger, B*gger, B*gger...
 

---

Posted by Chorister (# 473) on :
 
The rail bridge appeared to be held together by scaffolding when I last went there. Not sure whether to be reassured or not....
 

---

Posted by cattyish (# 7829) on :
 
Oh, Joan Knox, poor you. Still, you were dealing with the main thing, and we were only going to be a distraction for you.

If we do another such gathering then I reckon you'll be right there in the midst.

Cattyish, didn't realise far more things this week and yet survived.
 

---

Posted by joan knox (# 16100) on :
 
Cheers Cattyish... I look forward to getting some semblance of a life back when this wretched PhD is finally done. Indeed, I see the light at the end of the tunnel and I don't think it's a train lol!
 

---

Posted by Surfing Madness (# 11087) on :
 
Joan Knox glad there is a light at the end of the tunnel. Sorry you missed us last week, would have been good to meet you.
 

---

Posted by mrs whibley (# 4798) on :
 

quote:

---

Originally posted by Chorister:
The rail bridge appeared to be held together by scaffolding when I last went there. Not sure whether to be reassured or not....

---

© Ship of Fools 2016


UBB.classic^TM 6.5.0