Scottish Gulls

[Torquay Hibs]

Hi Guys.

First time poster here and looking for some help/local knowledge from you fine folk. Apologies if this is in the wrong thread or forum, I wasn’t sure where indeed was appropriate to post.

Despite hailing from Scotland I and a few of my friends have developed a somewhat love affair for The Gulls and are looking to try and find a good home fixture to come down and attend. What in your opinion would be the best remaining home game to attend this season?

First of all, Why Torquay you might ask?

It started back in 2013 when we were on a stag doo to Blackpool of all places, 7th September 2013 to be precise. As part of the stag festivities, we wanted to take in a football game and with Blackpool in the Championship and it being an International weekend, we turned to Fleetwood for our football fix. After initially being refused entry into the Fleetwood end for not being on their database, we entered the away end to join the hardly souls that had made the longer trip than us to the game. Some of you on here who attended the game might remember us – the stag was dressed as a frog for one and appeared on Soccer Am the next week – as a bunch of slightly drunk Scotsman cheering on the gulls as they went down 4-1. We sang, we chanted, we mingled, we drunk and we threated the Torquay defence with the possibility of being transferred to Heart of Midlothian should they not tighten up. Martin Rice played a blinder and I vividly recall one of the Torquay loyal dressed as Wheres Wally but in yellow. To cut a long story short, despite the result we left thoroughly entertained and enjoyed our experience with you guys, to the point that on our return to Scotland we made a point of always looking out for the Torquay score and kept the club close to our hearts.

This unofficial Torquay Scotland supporters club as we are now known have watched in pain as Torquay were relegated and now fight for survival in the conference. It mirrored our own team, Hibs, who were also relegated the same season. I guess we draw a lot of parallels with the two. We’ve already booked hotels for Newcastle to come watch Torquay against Gateshead in April, all 15 of us. But we would also like to come to a home game down at Plainmoor (hence this post).

What game would one recommend? And travel tips, good hotels to book etc would be most welcome.

‘West Country La la la’…

[Yorkieandy]

That's not you Dom is it? The perpetrator of the infamous Chesterfield whistle blowing incident a few years back ?

Man that was priceless!

If not apologies. He's the only Edinburgh based Gulls supporting Scotsman I know. Plus coincidentally he's a Hibee.

Spooky.. :S

[gateman49]

A big

WELCOME

to you!

We need all the fans we can get and there is a lot of pessimism around at the moment so it was really pleasing to read the message.

There are regular trains from Scotland down to this part of the world and, if you are driving, we have a new road to make the last bit of your journey a bit easier. There are loads of places to stay for a weekend or a week as we are a holiday resort too.

As for which match to come to, come to them all, they are all cup finals from now on in!

Welcome again

[Torquay Hibs]

No Dom's in this stag party sadly, although I'm quite chuffed to hear there are more than the 15 of us in Edinburgh. We might have enough for a Sunday league team and subs at this rate.

Torquay Hibernia

[davidcaldwell123]

You guys based in Edinburgh? There is another Torquay supporter called Richard in Milngavie.

Hi Guys.

First time poster here and looking for some help/local knowledge from you fine folk. Apologies if this is in the wrong thread or forum, I wasn’t sure where indeed was appropriate to post.

Despite hailing from Scotland I and a few of my friends have developed a somewhat love affair for The Gulls and are looking to try and find a good home fixture to come down and attend. What in your opinion would be the best remaining home game to attend this season?

First of all, Why Torquay you might ask?

It started back in 2013 when we were on a stag doo to Blackpool of all places, 7th September 2013 to be precise. As part of the stag festivities, we wanted to take in a football game and with Blackpool in the Championship and it being an International weekend, we turned to Fleetwood for our football fix. After initially being refused entry into the Fleetwood end for not being on their database, we entered the away end to join the hardly souls that had made the longer trip than us to the game. Some of you on here who attended the game might remember us – the stag was dressed as a frog for one and appeared on Soccer Am the next week – as a bunch of slightly drunk Scotsman cheering on the gulls as they went down 4-1. We sang, we chanted, we mingled, we drunk and we threated the Torquay defence with the possibility of being transferred to Heart of Midlothian should they not tighten up. Martin Rice played a blinder and I vividly recall one of the Torquay loyal dressed as Wheres Wally but in yellow. To cut a long story short, despite the result we left thoroughly entertained and enjoyed our experience with you guys, to the point that on our return to Scotland we made a point of always looking out for the Torquay score and kept the club close to our hearts.

This unofficial Torquay Scotland supporters club as we are now known have watched in pain as Torquay were relegated and now fight for survival in the conference. It mirrored our own team, Hibs, who were also relegated the same season. I guess we draw a lot of parallels with the two. We’ve already booked hotels for Newcastle to come watch Torquay against Gateshead in April, all 15 of us. But we would also like to come to a home game down at Plainmoor (hence this post).

What game would one recommend? And travel tips, good hotels to book etc would be most welcome.

‘West Country La la la’…

[Torquay Hibs]

We're all out of Edinburgh. As you can imagine it's not very easy to meet up in a pub up here and watch a Torquay game on the TV sadly, but we still take a massive interest in results and on goings.

That being said should any Scottish based Gulls read this and fancy a jolly with us to Gateshead you'd be more than welcome.

[Gulliball]

I live in Roseburn, right next to Murrayfield and only about a three minute walk round the corner to Tynecastle! If you need somewhere to park for the semi-final then I can give you a parking permit! I've only been here since May 2015, after five years living in Aberdeen. Actually in the first few weeks of living here, the first game I went to was the Hibs vs Rangers play-off semi-final - and I was really impressed by the atmosphere and loyalty of the support, even after the game and having lost and missed out on promotion. I also went to the Aberdeen League Cup game last September, but was in the away end as Aberdeen were my first 'local' Scottish team.

That said, Hearts are my new 'local' and I went to Hearts vs Aberdeen in the league, and a pre-season game against Everton, to see the ground. For the last five years I have listened to Torquay on the internet commentary on a Saturday afternoon, but last week I decided to stop this and go to some local grounds instead. Now that I'm centrally based there are about 25 grounds of the 42 within 90 minutes - from either Torquay or Aberdeen you have to do that to reach the first one!

This Saturday I'll be at Cowdenbeath vs Forfar, then on 6th Jan I'm going to St Johnstone vs Aberdeen in the away end and on 13th Jan Livingston vs Hibs. I haven't been able to find too much information for the Hibs game, but I've bought train tickets and I assume it's pay on the gate for the away end. From the game earlier in the season I think there should be plenty of room and I prefer being in with away fans if there's a choice. I'm backing Hibs for promotion so it'll be nice to follow that. The side looked very impressive against a very bad Aberdeen performance in September.

I will also be at the Gateshead vs Torquay game in April, but I'll be going down and back on the day. Would be very happy to say hi if you're at this game, or at the Livingston v Hibs game in a few weeks.

The aforementioned Dom and I watched the Forest Green game in a pub in Murrayfield. There were just the two of us - he is a Hibs follower, but as a qualified referee he usually does this on a weekend. There is a Facebook group for Scottish based fans, although it's hardly ever used: https://www.facebook.com/groups/443052079196987/ You'd be very welcome to join and perhaps make it a larger thing. I think there's only 6 in there just now, so adding another 15 would be very welcome!

I was born and brought up in Torquay before leaving for university and then work, so can answer most things on this. There's plenty of hotels and B&Bs, and you're probably best off just looking for the cheapest option on a comparison website. Most are in the same areas and it's not the biggest place to have to move around to find the tourist hotspots and Plainmoor. Obviously, the better the weather the more you'll enjoy a seaside town. The beaches around Devon are nothing like Portobello I can promise you!

Anything you need to know, I'll be happy to help.

Chris

[wivelgull]

Cowdenbeath - The Blue Brazil!

[davidcaldwell123]

I played for Torquay and live in Milngavie in Glasgow, there are another one or two Torquay supporters around here, I Know definitely of one, Richard as I gave him a Torquay shirt I had from a charity match.

I am originally from Aberdeen and lived in Edinburgh, so we could have crossed paths, I am down at Tranmere at the weekend then in Torquay end of February for the Altrincham match.

Keep in touch

Dave

I live in Roseburn, right next to Murrayfield and only about a three minute walk round the corner to Tynecastle! If you need somewhere to park for the semi-final then I can give you a parking permit! I've only been here since May 2015, after five years living in Aberdeen. Actually in the first few weeks of living here, the first game I went to was the Hibs vs Rangers play-off semi-final - and I was really impressed by the atmosphere and loyalty of the support, even after the game and having lost and missed out on promotion. I also went to the Aberdeen League Cup game last September, but was in the away end as Aberdeen were my first 'local' Scottish team.

That said, Hearts are my new 'local' and I went to Hearts vs Aberdeen in the league, and a pre-season game against Everton, to see the ground. For the last five years I have listened to Torquay on the internet commentary on a Saturday afternoon, but last week I decided to stop this and go to some local grounds instead. Now that I'm centrally based there are about 25 grounds of the 42 within 90 minutes - from either Torquay or Aberdeen you have to do that to reach the first one!

This Saturday I'll be at Cowdenbeath vs Forfar, then on 6th Jan I'm going to St Johnstone vs Aberdeen in the away end and on 13th Jan Livingston vs Hibs. I haven't been able to find too much information for the Hibs game, but I've bought train tickets and I assume it's pay on the gate for the away end. From the game earlier in the season I think there should be plenty of room and I prefer being in with away fans if there's a choice. I'm backing Hibs for promotion so it'll be nice to follow that. The side looked very impressive against a very bad Aberdeen performance in September.

I will also be at the Gateshead vs Torquay game in April, but I'll be going down and back on the day. Would be very happy to say hi if you're at this game, or at the Livingston v Hibs game in a few weeks.

The aforementioned Dom and I watched the Forest Green game in a pub in Murrayfield. There were just the two of us - he is a Hibs follower, but as a qualified referee he usually does this on a weekend. There is a Facebook group for Scottish based fans, although it's hardly ever used: https://www.facebook.com/groups/443052079196987/ You'd be very welcome to join and perhaps make it a larger thing. I think there's only 6 in there just now, so adding another 15 would be very welcome!

I was born and brought up in Torquay before leaving for university and then work, so can answer most things on this. There's plenty of hotels and B&Bs, and you're probably best off just looking for the cheapest option on a comparison website. Most are in the same areas and it's not the biggest place to have to move around to find the tourist hotspots and Plainmoor. Obviously, the better the weather the more you'll enjoy a seaside town. The beaches around Devon are nothing like Portobello I can promise you!

Anything you need to know, I'll be happy to help.

Chris

[DAFC-Gulls]

Dunfermline Gull here, big Pars fan home and away especially when big Jim was manager first time round. Serving Royal Marine and final settled in Torquay about 4 years back and try to get to a 12/16 home and away games a season. Cheltenham away was a hoofing sing song reminded me of being a young lad again.
Lots of hotels down here at good rates and a good drink can be had in the town.
I reckon Tramere at home on April 9th will be a massive game, could decided our fate, could also be all over by then though!
It's about a 9 hour drive down Iam about to drive up on Monday to Dunfermline, it really isn't that bad.
May now try and get to Gateshead we should turn it into a Scottish Yellow Carnival!

Mike

[Glostergull]

wow. didn't know there were so many Scottish based fans and most of them on my favourite side too. i go to see my friend paddy who Lives in Glenfarg at least once if not twice a year. I would love to meet some of you. I sometimes have to go up to Dundee with Paddy. but mostly stick around Glenfarg or go to Dunfirmline or the Riviera of Scotland. lack Faith Rovers over in Kirkaldy. next the millionairs row in Cowdenbeath. carefull if you go there. the stock car racing can be quite something to see or even the car boot sale I've found can be gripping. but if your not careful a football match can break out.
As Gateshead is in April i will try to get up there on the way to see Paddy. we may see Northumbergull there too. It's high time i paid him another visit,
Good luck Guys we all need it.
Glostergull

[SteveDeckchair]

Flybe do flights to Exeter from Glasgow and Edinburgh. 1 hour flight followed by a 30 min drive and you'll be in Torquay. Beats the hell out of a hellish car / train journey!

[Yorkieandy]

Hi Guys.

First time poster here and looking for some help/local knowledge from you fine folk. Apologies if this is in the wrong thread or forum, I wasn’t sure where indeed was appropriate to post.

Despite hailing from Scotland I and a few of my friends have developed a somewhat love affair for The Gulls and are looking to try and find a good home fixture to come down and attend. What in your opinion would be the best remaining home game to attend this season?

First of all, Why Torquay you might ask?

It started back in 2013 when we were on a stag doo to Blackpool of all places, 7th September 2013 to be precise. As part of the stag festivities, we wanted to take in a football game and with Blackpool in the Championship and it being an International weekend, we turned to Fleetwood for our football fix. After initially being refused entry into the Fleetwood end for not being on their database, we entered the away end to join the hardly souls that had made the longer trip than us to the game. Some of you on here who attended the game might remember us – the stag was dressed as a frog for one and appeared on Soccer Am the next week – as a bunch of slightly drunk Scotsman cheering on the gulls as they went down 4-1. We sang, we chanted, we mingled, we drunk and we threated the Torquay defence with the possibility of being transferred to Heart of Midlothian should they not tighten up. Martin Rice played a blinder and I vividly recall one of the Torquay loyal dressed as Wheres Wally but in yellow. To cut a long story short, despite the result we left thoroughly entertained and enjoyed our experience with you guys, to the point that on our return to Scotland we made a point of always looking out for the Torquay score and kept the club close to our hearts.

This unofficial Torquay Scotland supporters club as we are now known have watched in pain as Torquay were relegated and now fight for survival in the conference. It mirrored our own team, Hibs, who were also relegated the same season. I guess we draw a lot of parallels with the two. We’ve already booked hotels for Newcastle to come watch Torquay against Gateshead in April, all 15 of us. But we would also like to come to a home game down at Plainmoor (hence this post).

What game would one recommend? And travel tips, good hotels to book etc would be most welcome.

‘West Country La la la’…

Just read this through and I do now recall seeing the 'Frog' and thought it was someone dressed as Kermit. I was there too trying to sing with the 6 or 7 others behind the goal.

Can't believe Fleetwood wouldn't let you in for that reason! Crackers! So they sent you nutters round to us and in amongst more nutters. =D Not the best idea the Cods have ever had.

Ricey did indeed play a blinder and was my MOM despite conceding 4. Benyon scored too I believe giving us consolation in the last minute before the 'wood had the last laugh and went up the other end and made it 4.

[Torquay Hibs]

Thanks for getting back in touch guys, it really does mean a lot. The folk of Torquay don't half get around do they. I honestly was expecting like perhaps one or twp Gulls at most north of the border but there seems to be a fair few.

I think were going to try head down for the Tranmere game if all goes to plan, seeing as it's the week after Gateshead and we might have some more contacts.
Although the plane cuts out what can only be described as a camel trek to Plainmoor, I think we might get the train down and take the journey in. Make another long weekend of it.

Gulliball i'll drop you a private message as well, although i am slightly concerned at the amount of times you have seen Hearts of recent; have you had your inoculations? I'll be sure to join the after-mentioned Facebook page as well.

Yorkieandy - It was some weekend. Must have been maybe 20-30 Torquay fans and then the stag party. We were stood next to a guy in shorts and a bobble hat who informed us he hadn't missed a Gulls game in like 20 years. Cracking effort. Really friendly guy as well, even shared his sandwiches. Can't image that sort of behavior every happening in a Chelsea or Man U away end. It was love at first sight after that...

[Behind-the-Gulls]

Thanks for getting back in touch guys, it really does mean a lot. The folk of Torquay don't half get around do they. I honestly was expecting like perhaps one or twp Gulls at most north of the border but there seems to be a fair few.

I think were going to try head down for the Tranmere game if all goes to plan, seeing as it's the week after Gateshead and we might have some more contacts.
Although the plane cuts out what can only be described as a camel trek to Plainmoor, I think we might get the train down and take the journey in. Make another long weekend of it.

Gulliball i'll drop you a private message as well, although i am slightly concerned at the amount of times you have seen Hearts of recent; have you had your inoculations? I'll be sure to join the after-mentioned Facebook page as well.

Yorkieandy - It was some weekend. Must have been maybe 20-30 Torquay fans and then the stag party. We were stood next to a guy in shorts and a bobble hat who informed us he hadn't missed a Gulls game in like 20 years. Cracking effort. Really friendly guy as well, even shared his sandwiches. Can't image that sort of behavior every happening in a Chelsea or Man U away end. It was love at first sight after that...

That would be Paul Bastard-ultra-loyal fan who travels down to Torquay from Manchester for every home game.