Comments for simonvarwell.co.uk

Comment on Bargain berths get even more elusive by Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Sun, 19 May 2013 10:47:11 +0000

Hi Martin. Thanks for that – I had no idea the BBs used to be bookable by phone. I guess demand has made this untenable. It’s still worth complaining by email, as at least the previous separate online booking was an improvement on what they’re now doing.

Comment on Bargain berths get even more elusive by Martin Turner

Martin Turner — Sat, 18 May 2013 11:05:16 +0000

It seems Scotrail only employs sadistic fiends to manage their bookings. It has got worse and worse, and is now a nightmare.
In the old days you could pick up the phone and ask “have you got any bargain berths?” The bookings clerk would reply “When would you like to travel?”, to which I would reply: “I don’t care, as long as it’s a bargain berth.” The lady would give me all the options, (if any). Five minutes on the phone – bob’s your uncle! Now: hours and hours of exasperation online and never any tickets! And computers were supposed to make life easier!

Comment on Bargain berths get even more elusive by John Clark

John Clark — Fri, 19 Apr 2013 10:00:45 +0000

Many thanks for your useful post post about the loss of this once brilliant service. I no longer live in Scotland, and the bargain berth website service was a fantastic relief for me, offering affordable green travel when I was home sick and needing to get back north. I’m not sure that I can stomach using the new ‘mixingdeck’ facility, but I suppose I will have to persevere.

Cheers

Comment on Bargain berths get even more elusive by Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:30:21 +0000

Thanks Kirsten. Such a shame for you. It would be interesting to hear back from you if you get any response from Scotrail.

Comment on Bargain berths get even more elusive by Kirsten Lillie

Kirsten Lillie — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 18:01:44 +0000

Thanks for all the useful info, Simon and contributors. I experienced all the same problems and frustrations as described on this page, so have emailed Scotrail to explain why I now travel from Oxford to Scotland by car (and leave my bike behind).

Comment on Bargain berths get even more elusive by Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Mon, 15 Apr 2013 08:37:41 +0000

Thanks Angela – a great tip.

Comment on Bargain berths get even more elusive by Angela

Angela — Sat, 13 Apr 2013 22:12:41 +0000

Here is a tip for anyone with a Senior Railcard. I have just booked Advance tickets via the mixing deck that work out at 20p cheaper than the Bargain Berth!This includes having the tickets sent by first class post.Maybe this works for other types of Railcard too. Just something to think about if there are no Bargain Berths available.

Comment on Exploring Assynt by Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 11:47:47 +0000

Thanks so much for your comment Jane. It’s a real challenge writing about places as an outsider without resorting to cliches or assumptions, so your complement really means a lot.

In what way has there been schadenfreude? Around Assynt, or towards it from outside? Or do you mean generally in society? It would be interesting to hear a bit more of your thoughts.

Comment on Exploring Assynt by Jane Tulloch

Jane Tulloch — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 10:09:17 +0000

How refreshing to read an intelligent blog on the subjects of the people of Assynt and land buyouts. It has been fashionable to adopt a schadenfreude attitude of late and it is very much appreciated when somebody comes to Assynt and derives their own opionions of the people and the place. Thanks for this!
JT
Assynt Foundation

Comment on Biceps Land by Simon Varwell

Simon Varwell — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:43:36 +0000

Hello Gibbon. Yes, perhaps i should complain, but I have no particular need or desire for a complementary set of Articulate.

Incidentally, what do your Twiglets normally look like? (dare I ask)