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CLUCKING HELL

I queued for over 18 hours to try Scotland’s first Popeyes – it was more than worth it

A FAST food fan lined up for more than 18 hours to sample Scotland's first ever Popeyes restaurant.

The US chicken shop chain opened a 56-seater eatery and drive-thru in Barrhead today and punters were buzzing.

The grand opening went down a treat
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The grand opening went down a treatCredit: Steve Welsh
Graham was rewarded for camping out ahead of the launch
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Graham was rewarded for camping out ahead of the launchCredit: Steve Welsh
Courtney Durnan pitched up at 2am outside the restaurant
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Courtney Durnan pitched up at 2am outside the restaurantCredit: Steve Welsh
People couldn't wait to get inside
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People couldn't wait to get insideCredit: Steve Welsh

Queues started from 4.30pm the day before as dedicated foodies eagerly anticipated a taste of New Orleans.

Graham Welsh and John Russell were some of early birds who wanted to be first in line for the landmark launch.

John said: “I’m a long-time fan of Popeyes. I’ve been checking the Popeyes Instagram for news of a Scottish opening for two years and dreaming about this launch so had to come down early to be one of the first in the queue.”

While Cynthia Holden, from the US, travelled over an hour from Clackmannanshire to chow down on the famous Louisiana chicken.

She said: “My first job was in Popeyes when I was 16 so I’m a lifelong fan.

"I’ve been hounding Popeyes on Twitter to learn of the Scottish opening and being here today didn’t disappoint. It was a little taste of home.”

To celebrate the launch of its new breakfast menu, Popeyes said it will be extending its Southern hospitality by giving away free breakfast muffins to the first 25 cars and first 25 pedestrians in the queue.

Renowned for its Chicken Sandwich that ‘broke the internet’ when it launched in the US and its world-famous ‘shatter crunch’ chicken, the restaurant will offer the brand’s full menu.

The range includes the much-loved Signature Louisiana Chicken, Signature Louisiana Wraps, Chicken tenders, Hot Wings, and Popeyes Biscuits with gravy.

Neil Williamson, COO at Popeyes UK, said “We thought customers queuing for 16 hours at Cardiff Bay last month would be impossible to beat, but the people of Scotland have set a new record with our first customer turning up a whopping 18.5 hours before opening.

"We’re delighted with the response we’ve had to our first Scottish restaurant and look forward to serving our famous Louisiana Chicken to many more.”

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