So, I found this nice book bindery in Partick who will bind according to Manchester requirements even though they differ from the requirements of any of the three Glasgow universities they usually serve.  I had to smile when I saw the name of their website so - dadbookbinders - which gave it a homely feel but also suggested something like dad dancing.

Downie Allison Downie - the premises are a small industrial unit in a side street behind Partick library (handy for them no doubt) and you walk in to a room stacked high with theses awaiting collection.  How many person-hours of blood sweat and tears are contained in those black books with gold lettering on the spine (and one soft bound pre-examination Manchester thesis also with gold lettering on the spine)?

Mr Dad the proprietor was very friendly and helpful, whilst Ms Dad the order-taker seemed thrilled to have someone who didn't need their bound work now, this minute, my deadline is in an hour.

So, collect said thesis on Tuesday morning and post it recorded delivery to reach Manchester in good time for the (revised) deadline.

Then, in a few weeks, hopefully back to DAD for the beautiful black hardbound version to join the legion of others in a dusty store at the unversity..