SCOTS Catholics have snapped up 75,000 tickets for the papal Mass at Bellahouston Park next month. And organisers of the visit by Pope Benedict XVl are confident the remaining 25,000 places will be filled.
Controversy surrounding suggestions that the ticketholders make a £20 donation to help cover the costs of the September 16 visit has not affected takeup, according to sources.
A spokesman for the Catholic Church said: "So far, three quarters of the tickets have been allocated.
"That is quite a remarkable result considering the timetable was so tight and we had to try and distribute the bulk of the passes during the peak summer holiday period.
"We anticipate a bit of a scramble for tickets now as the event looms closer."
The Pope will meet the Queen in Edinburgh before travelling by Popemobile down Princes Street and on to Glasgow.
SIC: DRUK