My summer of staying close to home continued with an overnight stay in Glasgow at the end of August 2025.
For what purpose? It is only an hour’s drive from my home.
Well, the purpose can be broken down into four parts.
The main part was to be at Ayr United v Queen’s Park on the Saturday afternoon, and to make the trip by public transport. It would be possible to do the return journey in one day, but I had no reason to rush.
It was a good game, and we (Queen’s Park) got a 1-1 draw away from home against one of the better teams in the league.
Which leads nicely into the next element – just getting away overnight. I found a good deal at the Social Hub where I had stayed in May ’25. I enjoyed it again. The style suits me. The location is good.
Having a nice dinner out somewhere was the third element. I was adventurous and made my way across the river to Namak Mandi in Tradeston. It is an Afghan restaurant. I loved it. Friendly service. Excellent food.
Good value for money. A relaxed and stylish atmosphere.
Last but not least, I wanted a long overdue visit to Queen’s Parkrun in Glasgow’s Southside. I lived close by for 5 years during the 1980s, and these days I am often in the vicinity for football at Lesser Hampden.
It is a hilly course – perhaps the toughest I have run. But I enjoyed it.
ⓒ iain taylor, 2025
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