We found a wedding dress for £150 - and other bargains at Callander charity shop's bridal boutique
Wedding season of 2025 is officially upon us.
And whether you're a bridesmaid, a guest, a parent or the bride, finding an outfit for a wedding can be an expensive business.
Wedding gowns alone can retail for hundreds or even thousands of pounds.
Luckily for Stirling and Perthshire locals, Callander boasts a bridal boutique for those on a budget.
Strathcarron Hospice charity shop, on the main drag of the town, dedicates half of its premises to its Preloved Bridal Boutique.
'People travel far and wide to choose their special wedding dress, bridesmaid dress or Mother of the Bride with us,' said a representative for the charity.
'Our shop also has men's suits, so something for everyone.
'Choosing preloved is not only more economical, it is the sustainable option which more and more people are incorporating into their big day.'
But what is the stock like, and would you actually wear it to a wedding?
Myself and my Courier colleague Debbie Clarke took a trip to Callander to find out.
And with help from store manager Ruth Mackay and volunteer Marion Strange, we put together six (almost) wedding-ready looks:
The shop had bridal gowns in a range of styles, from long-sleeved 80s numbers complete with pearls and lace to sleek, modern, designer cuts.
Size-wise, the wedding dresses ranged from 8-18 on the day we visited – mind you, some have been altered already, so trying on is a must.
In almost no time, Debbie found her 'dream dress' – a rhinestone-adorned gown with a subtle sweetheart cut and a slightly dropped waist.
The best part? It fit her like a glove.
She also managed to find accessories – a tiara and some sparkly peep-toe heels – which added to the look.
£150
£10
£15
£175
As well as bridal gowns, the boutique offers a lovely selection of bridesmaid dresses. When we visited, the selection went from sizes 10-20.
The modern trend of having bridesmaids pick their own dresses within a set colour palette means charity shop finds are on the cards for the bride's pals more and more.
I managed to find a simple, floor-length dress with hand-sewn faux pearls along the neckline in my favourite shade of blue, plus some sparkly shoes in my size.
The dress was a little loose around the bust, but could have been easily altered to fit perfectly. I would definitely wear this.
I also found 'something borrowed' to complete the look – a tiny metal handbag, which felt super stylish against the soft fabric.
£20
£10
£10
£40
In our game of dress up, Ruth graciously joined in to play mother-of-the-bride.
Somehow, she'd never tried on the merchandise in her 12 years as manager, so this was new for her.
She found a stunning cream dress with intricate grey lace overlay, and a matching hat, both new with tags still on.
The hat's original price tag was a whopping £249; but it was being sold here for £35.
'We have to balance the fact they're brand new clothes with the fact that this place is for charity,' Ruth explained. 'Price too high, and no one will buy it.
'Ultimately, it's better for the hospice to get some money than none at all.'
And her eagle eye was a huge advantage – this dress looked much better 'on' than on the hanger.
She even found some silver peep-toes heels which fit her perfectly – although she said they're 'too high' for dancing.
This is why there's always so many bare feet on the dancefloor!
£60
£35
£8
£103
Brides should never pick the first dress they try, so our make-believe bride for the day Debbie made sure to find a second option.
This princess-cut dress had loads of fun movement on the skirt, raising genuine smiles from the other customers.
Like all the dresses, it was in great nick, even down to fine details like the embroidered sparkles.
£150
£10
£15
£175
For my second look, I took on the challenge of finding a guest dress.
Though I couldn't find much geared towards younger buyers, this Phase Eight dress appealed to me – I love a pop of colour, and I'd been looking for an excuse to try these red shoes.
The fit was comfy, and the dress itself was pristine. My only reservation is – does this count as a white dress? I wouldn't want to be that guest.
£15
£8
£5.50
£28.50
Florals fall in and out of favour, but flowers never go out of style, and shop volunteer Marion Strange showed how it's done in this painterly frock.
Paired with demure navy stilettos and a cheerful pink hat which complimented her purple-red hair, this look was the perfect combo of colourful and classy – ideal for a mother-of-the-bride or guest.
£30
£20
£7.50
£57.50
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The Courier
6 days ago
- The Courier
We found a wedding dress for £150 - and other bargains at Callander charity shop's bridal boutique
Wedding season of 2025 is officially upon us. And whether you're a bridesmaid, a guest, a parent or the bride, finding an outfit for a wedding can be an expensive business. Wedding gowns alone can retail for hundreds or even thousands of pounds. Luckily for Stirling and Perthshire locals, Callander boasts a bridal boutique for those on a budget. Strathcarron Hospice charity shop, on the main drag of the town, dedicates half of its premises to its Preloved Bridal Boutique. 'People travel far and wide to choose their special wedding dress, bridesmaid dress or Mother of the Bride with us,' said a representative for the charity. 'Our shop also has men's suits, so something for everyone. 'Choosing preloved is not only more economical, it is the sustainable option which more and more people are incorporating into their big day.' But what is the stock like, and would you actually wear it to a wedding? Myself and my Courier colleague Debbie Clarke took a trip to Callander to find out. And with help from store manager Ruth Mackay and volunteer Marion Strange, we put together six (almost) wedding-ready looks: The shop had bridal gowns in a range of styles, from long-sleeved 80s numbers complete with pearls and lace to sleek, modern, designer cuts. Size-wise, the wedding dresses ranged from 8-18 on the day we visited – mind you, some have been altered already, so trying on is a must. In almost no time, Debbie found her 'dream dress' – a rhinestone-adorned gown with a subtle sweetheart cut and a slightly dropped waist. The best part? It fit her like a glove. She also managed to find accessories – a tiara and some sparkly peep-toe heels – which added to the look. £150 £10 £15 £175 As well as bridal gowns, the boutique offers a lovely selection of bridesmaid dresses. When we visited, the selection went from sizes 10-20. The modern trend of having bridesmaids pick their own dresses within a set colour palette means charity shop finds are on the cards for the bride's pals more and more. I managed to find a simple, floor-length dress with hand-sewn faux pearls along the neckline in my favourite shade of blue, plus some sparkly shoes in my size. The dress was a little loose around the bust, but could have been easily altered to fit perfectly. I would definitely wear this. I also found 'something borrowed' to complete the look – a tiny metal handbag, which felt super stylish against the soft fabric. £20 £10 £10 £40 In our game of dress up, Ruth graciously joined in to play mother-of-the-bride. Somehow, she'd never tried on the merchandise in her 12 years as manager, so this was new for her. She found a stunning cream dress with intricate grey lace overlay, and a matching hat, both new with tags still on. The hat's original price tag was a whopping £249; but it was being sold here for £35. 'We have to balance the fact they're brand new clothes with the fact that this place is for charity,' Ruth explained. 'Price too high, and no one will buy it. 'Ultimately, it's better for the hospice to get some money than none at all.' And her eagle eye was a huge advantage – this dress looked much better 'on' than on the hanger. She even found some silver peep-toes heels which fit her perfectly – although she said they're 'too high' for dancing. This is why there's always so many bare feet on the dancefloor! £60 £35 £8 £103 Brides should never pick the first dress they try, so our make-believe bride for the day Debbie made sure to find a second option. This princess-cut dress had loads of fun movement on the skirt, raising genuine smiles from the other customers. Like all the dresses, it was in great nick, even down to fine details like the embroidered sparkles. £150 £10 £15 £175 For my second look, I took on the challenge of finding a guest dress. Though I couldn't find much geared towards younger buyers, this Phase Eight dress appealed to me – I love a pop of colour, and I'd been looking for an excuse to try these red shoes. The fit was comfy, and the dress itself was pristine. My only reservation is – does this count as a white dress? I wouldn't want to be that guest. £15 £8 £5.50 £28.50 Florals fall in and out of favour, but flowers never go out of style, and shop volunteer Marion Strange showed how it's done in this painterly frock. Paired with demure navy stilettos and a cheerful pink hat which complimented her purple-red hair, this look was the perfect combo of colourful and classy – ideal for a mother-of-the-bride or guest. £30 £20 £7.50 £57.50
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Daily Record
Jewellery designer turning trashed spoons into treasures to raise funds for hospice
Mark Drury, 78, who also volunteers at Strathcarron, was inspired by the BBC programme 'Money for Nothing' - and will be selling his creations at his Stirlingshire studio. A jewellery designer who makes products from old silver spoons will be selling his creations in aid of Strathcarron Hospice as part of Open Studio Stirlingshire June 7-15. Mark Drury, who also volunteers at the hospice, was inspired to fundraise for Strathcarron after wanting to do something for a charity which he felt would impact most on local people's lives. Mark decided to share his story as part of Volunteer Week June 2-8. The 78-year-old started donating money to the hospice from selling his paintings and then decided to create jewellery from old silver spoons after being inspired by the BBC programme 'Money for Nothing', where entrepreneur Sarah Moore saves things from being dumped and transforms them into valuable pieces. Mark, who lives near Doune, said: 'I have always liked silver – it's bright and shiny and I am like a magpie! It is easy and relatively cheap to work with. I could buy a box of cutlery for £45 and create items for sale recycled and sell them for £200 for the hospice. 'People like them because they are handmade, for a charity and silver is very popular at the moment. It is amazing what you can make from something that no one wants anymore!' When Mark retired from his commercial property job aged 54 he says he struggled with the transition to retirement, so decided to go travelling around the world for a few months at a time over seven years. His new experiences across the globe inspired him creatively and he also witnessed the abuse of aid and subsidy in some countries, sparking an interest in how he could help others at a local level in his own area. Aged 61 he enrolled in Glasgow School of Art, followed by Jo Pudelko's Jewellery School in Dunblane. Mark has been making artwork and silver jewellery for seven years with all the proceeds being donated to Strathcarron. Mark said: 'All my life I had worked in a desk job and ran offices dealing with huge commercial property deals. It can be a real problem for men when they retire, to disconnect from the role they have had all their working life. They get the suit, the tie, and the title and they think that is their identity, and then some people struggle when they retire. 'I went back packing all over the world for a few months at a time. I needed the time and space to like myself and find that I had the confidence to try new things and use those skills to help others. Having spent my life behind a desk, I love the tactile side of making things and knowing that it has helped others at the Hospice as a result.' Mark added: 'Two years ago I started volunteering at the hospice after Eileen the Volunteer Co-ordinator had reached out saying the hospice needed people to help. 'I assist the domestic team with duties, serve tea and coffee to patients and their family members and help set up the trollies for lunch. 'When I am there I am no longer Mark Drury the double breasted suit and shiny shoes businesses man – it is a real leveller working at the hospice and I meet a whole range of people. It is extraordinary to find out about the life and experiences they have had – people are really interesting. 'I love the people at Strathcarron and it is an amazingly happy place. The domestic team I work with are absolutely fantastic – we have good fun. They have a great sense of humour! I couldn't have been stuffy or I wouldn't have lasted! It has been a real insight into people, I have learnt a lot. 'Volunteering at the hospice has made me realise it's about enjoying the moment and realising that by helping others you get as much, if not more, than what you give. There is a wonderful feel good factor and sense of self-worth and contribution. 'To know that me bringing my energy into a room can help make a patient's day so much better, that's a nice thing. It is what being human is all about – these connections.' Mark Drury is taking part in Open Studios Stirlingshire in aid of Strathcarron Hospice June 7-14, at this studio at Northland House off the B826, KY16 6AD. For more information visit
Daily Mirror
31-05-2025
- Daily Mirror
Ruth Langsford's savvy 'upside-down' salad trick explained
Loose Women star Ruth Langsford shared her 'upside-down salad' recipe with fans last year Ruth Langsford has taken to Instagram to share her ingenious 'upside-down salad' technique with followers. The 65-year-old Loose Women presenter divulged how her knack for stacking ingredients not only prolongs the salad's crispness but also prevents a dreary, soggy texture. In an Instagram post from September, Ruth provided a simple guide for putting together this creative salad with nine key ingredients. "So, now I'm going to make what I call my 'upside-down salad'," she said at the time, according to SurreyLive. "So, basically, I put everything in layers in one of these [glass tubs], which means that when I tip it out, the lettuce is on the bottom and everything else that I want is in layers. Anyway, you get the gist. "So, basically I put kitchen roll in the bottom [of the tub] because then any kind of juices from the tomatoes and cucumber soak a bit into that, so the whole salad doesn't get soggy. So, that's the gist, and let me show you how I do it." Kicking off her salad assembly, Ruth commenced by chopping a variety of little tomatoes along with onions, unperturbed by the tomatoes' minor squishiness as she combined them. She continued: "Tuna on top of that. "I like tuna in olive oil, maybe a bit more calorific, but I don't care because I love the taste. One hard-boiled egg, you can put them the other way around, so that when you tip it up the yolks' pointing up at you. It doesn't really matter. "Then some avocado, this is a bit brown, because I actually chopped it last night to use for something else and forgot it. It's been in the fridge, it's a bit brown, but it's fine because it will be covered in salad dressing. "Black olives, if you like them, I love them. There's the cucumber - I scraped the seeds out because they are very wet and watery and will make that [salad] go soggy. Cucumber in, and then all I've got to do now is put the lettuce on." Ruth presented her packed lunch to the viewers, displaying the colourful layers of her homemade salad creation. To complete the ensemble, she lavishly poured her treasured Brianna's Honey Mustard Dressing, a delightful extra flavour. "There you go! That's tomorrow's upside-down salad," she concluded, while adding in the video caption: "I take this to work most days….stops me grabbing unhealthy, processed food. "Even when you make a healthy choice and buy a salad, in my experience, they're mostly leaves!! This way you get a good, decent portion salad and you get to put all the things you like in it!" In addition to its delicious taste, Ruth's layered salad contains an impressive collection of 'superfoods', which are often defined as nutrient-rich foods considered beneficial for health and well-being. For instance, a 2024 study from the University of Bristol revealed that men who ate over 10 portions of tomatoes a week saw an 18% decrease in their risk of developing prostate cancer. Nutritionist Helen Bell from Help & Advice acknowledged this during a conversation with the Mirror, noting that cooking tomatoes could enhance their protective effects. "There is evidence suggesting that tomatoes might lower prostate cancer risk, largely due to lycopene," she said. "This antioxidant is thought to reduce inflammation and prevent cancer cell growth. When I've looked into it, cooking tomatoes seems to increase lycopene availability, so enjoying them in sauces or soups might be particularly beneficial." Moreover, health experts frequently praise avocados for their abundant omega-3 content, crucial fats for brain and heart well-being. Experts at the US-based University of Rochester Medical Centre previously explain ed: "Omega-3s are a helpful and important form of fat. Your body needs it but can't make it. Your body needs 2 forms of omega fatty acids. "These are omega-3 and omega-6. Omega-3 is the most important. Experts believe that omega-3s help prevent coronary heart disease (CHD) in healthy people. They also believe omega-3s can slow progress of the disease in those who already have it." Full list of Ruth Langsford's salad ingredients: Avocado Black olives Cucumber Lettuce Brianna's Honey Mustard Dressing Tomatoes Red onion Tuna in olive oil Hard-boiled eggs
