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Original poster

Scottish people please help me - supermarkets xmas eve

37 replies

christmaschristmaschristmas · 02/10/2018 16:27

Xmas plans have just changed and we are flying into Inverness at 2pm on Christmas Eve. Then have a long drive to very remote place.

We will have no food/drinks/anything so will need to stock up - will the supermarkets in Inverness be open? Could we click and collect? WWYD?

TIA

OP posts:
Original poster
christmaschristmaschristmas · 02/10/2018 16:35

??

OP posts:
dementedpixie · 02/10/2018 16:36

Think they normally close at 6pm on Xmas eve

LeftRightCentre · 02/10/2018 16:37

Do a click and collect and pick it up in Inverness after you land.

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HirplesWithHaggis · 02/10/2018 16:39

Inverness is surrounded by Tesco supermarkets. Not sure what time they'll close, could be earlier than six, but you'll have time to fit in a shop. I have never used click and collect but you could ask/try.

AdaColeman · 02/10/2018 16:47

There is a M&S in Inverness, you could look into placing an order with them and collecting it early afternoon, timing would be critical though.

Redglitter · 02/10/2018 16:48

The 24 hour hour Asda near my work closed at 10pm on Christmas Eve

Original poster
christmaschristmaschristmas · 02/10/2018 16:50

That sounds promising. I did look into doing an M&S food order but the latest slot is 1:30-2 and I'd be worried we wouldn't make it. Hopefully we'll be able to do a shop, I'll look into click and collect.

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LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 02/10/2018 16:54

Check the postcode of the place you're staying and see if it's in a delivery zone, then see if you can grab a delivery slot on the day before. I did that one year and the cottage owner packed away all the perishables for me (obvs there wasn't anyone staying there the night before!).

TBF it's so cold that things won't go off if they're in a cold kitchen for 24 hours...

LonnyVonnyWilsonFrickett · 02/10/2018 16:55

M&S don't have enough 'normal' stuff for us, we looked for last year's Christmas dinner but ended up not fancying it. Don't think it would work as your only shop.

dementedpixie · 02/10/2018 16:57

If you Google Inverness supermarkets you should be able to see what's about

Thatstheendofmytether · 02/10/2018 17:01

I would do click and collect to ensure you get what you need.

ninjagomum · 02/10/2018 17:14

I really hate to be negative but if it were me I would be worrying, what if you did a click and collect, had a flight delay and the store closes. Are you meeting anyone else or know anyone else who could take in a delivery? An unusual choice of location for Christmas unless you have connections there.

Kr1stina · 02/10/2018 17:22

Yes, do a click and collect Tesco order and collect from one of the Tesco stores in Inverness, which is about 20 mins from the airport .

Unless you can get a delivery to the property earlier that day and the landlady will allow the delivery and put frozen food away . We get deliveries from Tesco Inverness and the driver usually comes early so puts the food in the fridge and freezer ( rather than waiting for us to come home ). But I realise that this will make MNers freak out and obviously you can’t do that in someone else place .

You heee to book the slot the minute they become available and go for the last one of the day .

Personally I’d do click and collect then you can susbsutite if something crucial is missing . But then that’s extra time and Inverness might be out your way .

You mention a long drive to a very remote place . Just checking that you know it will be dark by the time you pick up your hire car? Do you have experience of driving in potentially bad weather in the dark on unlit country roads ? And have you booked a suitable vehicle ?

LeftRightCentre · 02/10/2018 17:24

I wouldn't rely on a delivery over click and collect unless the landlord can go in and open the door to get the food in.

Invisimamma · 02/10/2018 17:26

Our Tesco closes at 4pm on Xmas Eve, the shelves are bare log before that!

Click and collect or online delivery will be required. Have a back up plan if you miss your slot.

ItWasntMeItWasIm · 02/10/2018 17:29

Also an asda in Inverness. And aldi and lidl.

LtGreggs · 02/10/2018 17:41

Ring Tesco customer services, or the Tesco Inverness or Dingwall store?

LtGreggs · 02/10/2018 17:46

I know tesco do some community delivery locations up north (don't know exactly what they call the service, but store will know what you are on about). Eg Tesco had a couple of times a week where you can meet van to collect at Torridon Inn. Maybe you could get a delivery like that a day or two before and get someone to meet it for you??

Original poster
christmaschristmaschristmas · 02/10/2018 18:53

I understand the worries re flight delays and roads. The kids are also really keen to go.

We visit the place frequently (and yes of course it will be dark) and know the roads well. We will take the longer route so we do not have to go over the potentially dangerous part. Will hire a rangerover or equivalent with correct tyres. My husband is a very experienced driver so I think it should be okay. We love it and want to spend xmas there but cannot fly into xmas eve morning.

I think I would be too worried about a delivery. I think it will have to be either click and collect or just go to a Tesco superstore.

As it is a cottage we go to, I don't think anyone could meet a delivery or anything like that unfortunately.

OP posts:
Original poster
christmaschristmaschristmas · 02/10/2018 18:54

I think because of bare shelves it will have to be click and collect and then if they have run out of some things hastily drive to another supermarket.

OP posts:
ArrivisteRevolt · 02/10/2018 18:58

Inverness is Tesco Town. However, I agree with everyone else that you are cutting it too fine.

Find someone you know and trust in the local area (a hotel?) who will be in. Pay a teenager or similar to collect shopping and keep it.

Kr1stina · 03/10/2018 00:58

Someone must be going into the cottage that day to clean. Why dont you ask if they can accept a delivery? Or would the land lady accept it at her house and you could call in on your way ?

Are you taking presents and decorations with you ?

Graphista · 03/10/2018 01:26

"Our Tesco closes at 4pm on Xmas Eve, the shelves are bare log before that!" Same here, also rural Scotland but further south where it's generally better. To be honest if I were you I'd try to arrange a delivery for the 23rd! Seriously I think anything else would be too risky, especially if we end up with another bad winter.

BarbaraofSevillle · 03/10/2018 03:59

Are there any Co-ops? They tend to open later than large supermarkets.

Landing at 2 pm and heading straight to Tesco sounds like the best plan, but you then need contingencies in case of delays or bad weather and flexibility in case of empty shelves.

If you have the luggage allowance, consider taking anything non perishable that is non negotiable. Even things like sprouts and parsnips!

You might even get there in time for stunning bargains from the reduced counter if you are lucky.

Unless you are delayed past closing time for all shops, you won't starve but you might not have exactly the Christmas dinner you'd hope for.

I'd go for it, but I think I'd probably make sure I have travel insurance if weather or other problems mess up the whole plan so you can check into a hotel if needs be.

Peridot1 · 03/10/2018 05:20

Who owns the cottage? I take it it is a holiday rental? I would contact the owner and ask if it is possible to have stuff delivered the day before or early on Xmas eve. I have had a Marks and Spencer’s school uniform delivery sent to the owner of a holiday cottage but I appreciate it’s a bit different!

It’s very tight! You definitely need a plan and then a plan B!

Could one of you travel the day before? You or DH could stay in a b&b in Inverness and do the shopping first thing on Xmas eve, do airport pick up at 2 and then drive to cottage?

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