WAY too much fun in Glasgow

February 2025

Last weekend, a group of 19 young widowed people from across the UK descended on Glasgow for a weekend of food, Scottish dancing, whisky drinking and belly laughs. Proud Glaswegian Woody takes up the tale…

“When a gang of us from the West of Scotland group of WAY Widowed and Young met up with a lively WAY crew from around Liverpool last summer, it was such a success that we agreed to host a reciprocal meetup in Glasgow in January 2025. I was “volunteered” as the weekend chronicler by Gary, the Glasgow group’s prime mover-and-shaker and mastermind behind this trip.

I’ve been a WAY member for nine years in two distinct phases, with a gap in between. My wife, Torhild, passed away 12 years ago, and initially, WAY was about survival and support – navigating life with six- and eight-year-olds. Back then, WAY was a critical lifeline and pressure valve. Since reconnecting a few years ago, it’s evolved into something more social and friendship-focused, although even us “old-timers” need an ear occasionally. It also feels good to give back a little of the help I received when conversations turn in that direction. It’s that cliché of “a club no one wishes to be a member of”, but your tribe is your tribe. No explanations needed. 

And what a magnificently motley tribe Gary assembled in Glasgow last weekend! Nearly 20 people – not just Liverpudlians, but folks from London, Wiltshire, Birmingham, Staffs, Crianlarich, Cardiff, Northamptonshire, Somerset (via Frankfurt!) and a few local Glaswegian native guides, for wildlife management. Apologies if I missed anyone – by the end, we were all honorary “Weegies” anyway! A mix of backgrounds, ages and energies: the effervescent life-of-the-party types (you know who you are!) and the “sensible” souls ensuring we stayed out of the “jayll” [jail]. 

First up: a stunning meal and Friday ceilidh at Sloans, a Glasgow institution. Scottish dancing – a traditional contact/combat sport – saw the “sassenachs” from the south dive right in. There was much birling, laughter and sweat aplenty among 100 other whirling dervishes. Ice was broken, feet were sore and I went through my two spare T-shirts! 

Saturday began at a civilised 2 p.m. with a tour of the Caledonian Whisky Distillery, followed by tastings. Reluctant whisky drinkers were paired with enthusiasts, “Jyst tay miksure it disnae go tae waste!”, and afterwards some southerners (again, you know who you are!) impressively sampled every whisky in the shop before staggering back to their hotels to rest before the final night *oot*. 

Saturday evening included a pub visit, the Glee Comedy Club for belly laughs, and a live gig by *Three Card Trick*. Gary, a friend of the band, insists they’re worth catching at the Howling Wolf Bar on Thursday nights if you’re in town, which I’d agree with wholeheartedly! 

In summary: it a truly wonderful weekend, brilliantly orchestrated by Gary (pictured below in kilt). Attendees picked and chose activities – there was no pressure, just laughs, adventures and new friendships. WAY folks don’t bite. Every event I’ve attended has been inclusive, diverse and above all, *fun*. And if any tribe deserves fun, it’s this one. So don’t sit on the fence – check the WAY website and Facebook group for events, or better yet, organise one yourself (ask Gary for tips!). Maybe I’ll see you there?”

Written by Proud Weegie Woody (pictured below far left)

Members of WAY can visit the Events pages of our member hub for more information about upcoming meet ups…