CAT

Thanks for the update.

Any news on when the ticket sales schedule will be released from the SFA?

Booked up to stay in Albufeira. Transport options limited to the stadium. I’ll be happy to explore the options for a minibus/bus return journey on match day.

Only a maximum of 2 European teams can be in the same group.

Wizz Air currently offer flights from Luton to Moscow £112.00. Outbound Tuesday 08 October then return Saturday 12 October. Now that’s a fantastic price! Cat

We now have our Russian visas and I think that too much effort went into the application. I served in the British military for 22 years and had concerns about my application. Went to the Russian Visa Application Centre on Fountain Street, Manchester last Thursday. It has a grand title, but in reality it is a single office measuring approximately 6m by 3m with 2 Russian gents sitting behind a desk each. There’s seating round the wall to take your turn to see the gents. The application was tedious and the details they checked was that we had transferred our passport details correctly onto their application form. They also inspected that the letter of invitation was correct. He never looked at the last 10 countries visited or previous employment, family details or much else. During our 30 minutes in the office we overheard some of the pit falls of other applicants. One guy never put his middle name on the form and was applying for a 31 day visa not a 30 day visa. He was told to go away and amend the form and return at a later date. Another family had passport photos that had no resemblance to their present day looks. They also got invited to return at a later date. I believe that it’s a money making venture and only certain details have to be correct on your application form. Our passports were returned yesterday, so it only took a week.

Thanks for the clarification. Cat

It’s my understanding that we’ll play Finland at home during March 2020 for a play off final place. The other semi-final is currently Norway v Serbia. All teams are subject to change, if any of the 4 qualify automatically from their current group. If Scotland qualify for the final and a chance of a Euro 2020 final place, home advantage for that final will be determined by the toss of a coin after the 2 finalists are confirmed. This would give us a few days to organise flights and accommodation, if we won the semi-final and then got drawn away. Have I interpreted the information correctly? Cat

Thanks.

Did you have to present any further documentation like travel insurance when you submitted your visa application? I am heading to Manchester next Thursday to apply for my Russian visa.

As mentioned in a previous post. I also believe the game will be played in Astana for the following reasons. Almaty has an old communist style stadium with only a main stand and the other 3 sides open. There’s also a running track and I very much doubt, looking at pictures of the stadium it has underground heating. Their climate would not guarantee them being able to host a game in Almaty. They play the odd game in Almaty but not normal during March or November. The stadium in Astana is new with a retractable roof and an artificial surface. It could stage a game all year round. The hosts wouldn’t want to embarrass themselves with UEFA by having a game called off in Almaty, when they already have an ideal stadium in Astana. This is why I am convinced the game will be in Astana and the have told UEFA them can host a home game during March. Its also the first game of their campaign and will want to give themselves the best opportunity to have a positive start. They play Russia at home 3 days after our game. I have talked myself into believing the game will be in Astana and have booked my flights! Cat

Do any regular visitors to Russia have any top tips regarding visa applications? It appears you have to submit your finger prints as part of the visa application, prior to travelling. Thanks, Cat

All details for the bus have now been confirmed and will leave from Hotel Colosseo at 1100. Final list of passengers as detailed in my post on 31 August. There will be a stop at Tirana airport after the match. Cat

Thanks for the reply.

When using an ATM in Albania, do you get the option to withdraw LEK or €?

The Solway Tartan Army bus is now fully booked. 25 x Solway Tartan Army 11 x Rampant Lions (Alex and George) 6 x Diamonddave 4 x Graeme Clark 2 x Steven McD All bookings are confirmed and all payments have been received. Cat

We can stop at the airport on the return journey. There will be no extra cost for the slight detour.

HI, I will check with the bus company if the airport drop off is a possibility. The contract for the bus has already been signed. If they’re happy to do it at no additional cost, then the bus can drop you off at the airport. I will get in touch bus company, to see what they say. Regards, Cat

Updated list for the bus and all payments are confirmed. Solway Tartan Army x 25 Steve McD x 2 Graeme Clark x 3 See original post for full details of the bus. Thanks, Cat

PM sent. Regards, Cat

The Solway Tartan Army are running a matchday bus with toilet from Tirana to Shkoder then returning back to Tirana immediately after the match. The bus will leave from Hotel Colosseo, Rruga e Durresit, Tirana at 1100. The bus driver will take a rest stop at a service station then we arrive in Shkoder at approximately 1300. The bus will park at the stadium car park then it's a short walk into the city centre. The bus will remain at the stadium for the return journey pick up. There are 24 seats available at a cost of £8.00 each. PM or mikeewilson@hotmail.com for payment details. Regards, Cat

Sad news indeed. Thanks to the MODS and Admin for your efforts over the years. The down turn in traffic has been compounded due to having only 2 away games this year. When we had 6 last year. Over the years the TAMB has saved me a lot of money with good travel advice and it has been nice to see like minded people helping each other out. I for one, would be more than happy to pay an annual subscription to maintain the existing TAMB or contribute to a new project. I would be happy to "spend money to save money" in the long run.

Thank you for all your kind comments regarding the bus to Trnava. Glad you enjoyed our trouble free journey. Cat

Meeting point on Tuesday 12 October 16 at 1145 (local time) will be Austria Trend Hotel, Vysoka just north of the Old Town. Then a 2 minute stroll to the pick up at Hurbanovo nomestie 3 for a 1200 departure to Tranava. Sorry for the delay with the bus details. Cat

Sorry for the delay with the pick up point. The bus company are still looking for a suitable departure point. They are telling me that there will be traffic restrictions put in place by the police on Tuesday 11 October in Bratislava. As soon as they let me know, I'll will post the details. Cat