Scotland's First Theme Park? (M and D's Scotland's Theme Park)

Name: GuruOnAMountain

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Product:	M and D's Scotland's Theme Park
Date:	04/06/07 (1946 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Could fill a day, there is lots to do including rides, bowling, crazy golf etc.

Disadvantages: Can be expensive and the rides aren't great.

I live quite near Strathclyde park and was thrilled when they first decided to build M and D's here, advertising it as Scotland's first theme park. However, once built I realised it was a far cry from Alton Towers or Thorpe Park, although it is an alright day out if you live nearby.

Strathclyde park itself is easy enough to find, being located between Motherwell and Hamilton, both of which are not far from Glasgow. The park itself is built round a loch, round which you can walk or cycle (bikes are available for hire) or you can even hire boats or pay for a motorboat ride on the lake itself.

You can't miss M and D's from anywhere within the park as the rides tower over the trees. Parking is available beside M and D's and also at the front entrance to M and D's (although this area is nearly always busy and finding a space is difficult due to the amoung of traffic here and the limited number of spaces). The main car park, however, is spacious. M and D's opens at 11 each day and closing times vary due to the month (sometimes closing at 5pm, 6pm or 8pm). During the winter months the rides are off, but the other attractions are available.

Rides:
Don't expect to be amazed by the rides on offer. They are fairly basic and are little more than what you would expect to find at a fair sized travelling fairground. There are a few rollercoasters, the most impressive being the Tornado which goes at 80km/h and loops the loop. The Tsunami travels at 65km/h and inverts and loops the loop. The seats for it are similar in style to the seats on Nemesis at Alton Towers and passengers legs dangle unrestrained. There is also the Express, and a runaway mine train type of rollercoaster.

Other white-knuckle rides include a water flume ride featuring two drops and a bungee ride where passengers are strapped into a metal ball and then are shot into the air. On their website they also include a Flying Carpet ride among their white-knuckle rides, although this would hardly be the kind of ride true thrill-seekers would be queuing up for.

For younger kids there is a caterpillar roller coaster called the Big Apple, a swing ride, an indoor carousel, flying elephants and a big wheel.

I've often been passing by M and D's and noticed that a lot of the rides seem to be off, especially the rollercoasters, though, so I'm not sure you could be assured that you'd be able to go on everything.

Other attractions:
M and D's may not have impressive rides, but it does redeem itself slightly with its other attractions. Most impressively it has Amazonia which features rainforest animals and free flying butterflies. Staff are knowledgeable and helpful and there is even the opportunity to hold certain animals such as frogs and tarantulas!

Also, there is the newly opened novelty golf course Devil's Island, which has a pirate theme. Its fairly small, but has a fun layout!

There is also ten pin bowling indoors, as well as a large arcade, a children's soft play area for little ones and a pool hall called Diamond Lil's, but this is for over 21s only.

Food:
As you would expect with this kind of place, there is plenty of drinks machines and so on sprinkled around the park. You can also buy freshly made Dinky Donuts from a kiosk in the park or stock up on candy floss and toffee apples from the entrance into the park, but if you want something to eat, you'll really only have the choice of the Bizarre Bar or Downtown USA. The Bizarre Bar is quite imaginately decorated..I especially like the Waltzer seats, but it is over-priced and the food isn't great. Your other option is to buy from Wimpy's and eat the food in the American diner style Downtown USA foodcourt.

If you just fancy a coffee break, you can visit Guisseppe's where you can also buy ice cream.

Prices:
You need to pay separately for Amazonia and Devil's Island.
Amazonia costs £4.45 for daults and £3.45 for kids and OAPs. If I remember correctly Devil's Island costs about £3 per player.

An unlimited ride wristband costs £13.50 for those over 1m and 35cm and £9.50 for those under.

However, entry is free into the park if you fancy just wandering around. Similarly, you can stroll round the arcade, bowling alley or bars for free (of course, you have to pay for a game of bowling).

There is, of course, the mandatory gift shop, but it is small and has limited stock, but isn't too overpriced when compared with other theme parks.

Staff:
The staff, with the exception of the staff at Amazonia, I've found don't tend to be particularly friendly or helpful, but there do tend to be plenty around.

Places to stay:
There is a hotel next door called Alona, although I doubt you'd want or need to stay for the night.

In conclusion, M and D's is an alright day out for those who don't need to travel much to get there, but otherwise, it'll only be a disappointment. You could easily fill a day there if you took advantage of all the rides and attractions, but costs could quickly mount if you want to ride the rides, visit Amazonia, play a round at Devil's Island, have a game of pool, bowling, and a shot in the arcades and grab a bite to eat.

Summary: 'Theme park' near Glasgow