We're Scotland's Perfect Sunday

Feb 17 2008

As We Launch Our Great New Tv Adverts We Ask Our Readers What Makes Today Special

IT'S our favourite day of the week...and Sunday just isn't the same without the nation's favourite read.

Last night the Sunday Mail launched a brilliant new TV ad campaign focused on what makes Sunday special for our 1.5 million readers.

To view the adverts, click here

The first profiles a farmer in Pitlochry enjoying the paper in his van and a mum and daughter pouring over a copy in their bedroom.

John McAulay, a member of the creative team who made the advert, said: "More than any other day of the week Sunday is the day when people are liberated from the weekly grind.

"Our new adverts reflect this feeling of freedom and relaxation.

"The Sunday papers are more than 'just the news'.

"The ads takes a peek at a variety of individuals and groups enjoying their perfect Sunday with the weekend's No.1 read, the Sunday Mail."

Andy Gray and Elaine C. Smith: Actors

COMIC Elaine, 49, said: "Sundays for me are all about relaxing and being a couch potato.

"I sleep late unless I've got rehearsals for a show then I go through the papers.

"We also have a proper family dinner on Sundays. I'll cook up a nice roast and we'll stuff ourselves silly."

Andy, 47, added: "Sundays are a great excuse to laze around and not do too much.

"I'm not out of bed before midday then I'll have a greasy breakfast. If it's a good day I'll head out for some fresh air."

Emma Cornell: Dog walker

EMMA, 35, of Inverness likes nothing better than a country walk with her dog Clootie.

She said: "The scenery in Scotland is so stunning and if the weather is good you can't beat it.

"I usually get up around 7.30am, indulge in a bacon butty and then head off in the van with my border collie.

"Sunday dinner usually consists of a huge roast with all the trimmings eaten in front of the fire - bliss."

Francesco Brisci: The biker

INSURANCE manager Francesco, 28 of Glasgow said: "Sundays are all about taking it easy. I get up and make a healthy breakfast and eat it on my balcony overlooking the Clyde.

"It's always accompanied by the Sunday Mail. I love the motoring section and rate Graeme Lennox's reviews. Then I'll indulge one of my greatest passions - going out on my Ducati Monster motorbike.

"If it's a sunny spring morning, nothing beats driving about the city.

"I'll hit some coffee bars in the west end and hang out with a couple of lattes."

Gordon Smith: Football boss

SFA chief Gordon, 53, of Glasgow, said: "I consider 9am a long lie these days. I'll eat something light - scrambled eggs and smoked salmon - before heading to the gym.

"Back at home, I read the Sunday Mail - I go straight to the sports section - then I'll catch up on paperwork before going to a match or watching one on TV.

"Later we'll visit my parents in Stevenston, Ayrshire, and in the evening I like to relax and watch TV to get ready for the onslaught of Monday."

Iain MacPherson: DJ

CHILLED Iain, 30, of Aberdeen, lets the weather dictate his day.

"If it's decent I'll force myself out of bed at 10.30am. If not, I'll lie in.

"Then I go out to buy the papers and bacon and eggs before heading to the recording studio in my spare room to bash out a few remixes.

"I can be distracted by the phone and emails through the week so Sunday is a good day to get on with things.

"I might have mates round or go out for a meal then spend the night watching DVDs."

Gillian McDonald: Queen of the castle

GILLIAN, 37, says anyone looking for the perfect Sunday should make a beeline for Stirling Castle, where she is manager.

She said: "It's set in a stunning location, on high volcanic rock, and has such an amazing history.

"The castle is overrun by families and tourists from all over the world every day... but especially Sundays.

"Guided tours are popular and our guides are so knowledgeable and enthusiastic.

"The Great Hall, Palace, Chapel Royal, Tapestry Studio and gardens are huge attractions."

Action group: The band

THE soundtrack to our Perfect Sunday ads had to strike the right note and Edinburgh lads Action Group managed to get it spot on.

Guitarist Mark Boggon, 29, said: "It reflects the idea of people getting up on lazy Sunday mornings.

"It's really laid-back and mellow. We took inspiration from musicians like Nick Drake.

"My favourite Sunday starts with the Sunday Mail. I never miss Billy Sloan's music column."

Sidney and Fawks: Scotland's topdogs

OUR canine columnists barked: "Our perfect Sunday is a combination of laziness and madness.

"We stay in bed for longer than usual then it is park time. Once we are nice and muddy we come home and make as much mess as possible before being dragged into the shower.

"There is always plenty of decent food on Sundays then we cuddle up on the sofa with mum and dad while they watch TV."

The Ritchie family: Walkers

GARY, 39, of Paisley, gets out into the great outdoors with wife Heather, 41, and daughters Emily, four, and Caitlin, 10.

He said: "We're always up and out by 8.30am. Some weekends we'll head to Fort William, where I have family.

"There's a gorgeous wee place called the Fairy Glen in Gairlochy.

"It's in a forest and lined with trinkets and messages left by people. Millport's another great day out.

"There's a swing park for the kids and we all indulge in a bag of chips afterwards.

"If we're not in the wilderness, we'll go to a museum."

WIN A PERFECT FAMILY WEEKEND

WE want you to tell us about your perfect Sunday... whether it's enjoying a long lie in bed, spending the day with the family, or watching the football on ther telly with your mates.

Email your Perfect Sunday pictures to mailbox@sundaymail.co.uk - the best one will win a Perfect Sunday weekend away for four at a Scots hotel.