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“It’s a-me, Mario” bellows down the long corridor toward Edinburgh Airport’s departures lounge.

Having already overcome the far-less glamorous or commercially successful Tetris reboot with luggage and taken part in real-life Frogger going through security, it should, perhaps, have been little surprise to then come face to face with Mario and Luigi themselves.

The Super Mario Bros – or at least their dodgy accent counterparts – were raising money for Edinburgh's Royal Hospital for Children and Young People with every donation prompting a Grazie or even Mamma Mia exclamation.

Further in the airport and among those headed for Norway are Americans making a detour home, backpackers off on a new adventure and then pockets of black-and-white and blue-and-white shirts.

There were some surprised looks from the unaware at some uniform crowds boarding a flight to Oslo with a spike in Google searches for Kilmarnock and St Mirren.

“It’s been 37 years since we were last in Europe – well, other than two weeks ago,” I tell one Norwegian curious over the situation as he worriedly took a second glance at the flight details above the departure gate. “This is something we only thought we’d see in the FIFA video game.”

Now, far from a fantasy, St Mirren have the chance to take their European adventure to the next level with victory over SK Brann in Bergen.

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Last week, the Norwegian club were far superior in Paisley and it will be a serious test for St Mirren this evening at the Brann Stadion. But having already achieved the long-awaited return to Europe – it’s far from impossible for Stephen Robinson’s steely side.

While a triumph over Brann would be a significant achievement – an exit from the UEFA Conference League at this stage would be far from game over for St Mirren.

Of course, it would bring an end to European football this season. But that’s the crucial detail, this season.

The Conference League has already brought in around 900k to the club simply by progressing through the second qualifying round – that’s in prize money alone.

The European adventure has been a successful one regardless of the result against SK Brann – there would be absolutely no shame in defeat this evening – barring a catastrophic scoreline.

While entry into European competition after so long may feel very much like the end, there’s a feeling it is just the start emanating from the Paisley dressing room.

Robinson and his charges have shirked the pay-to-win environment in football with shrewd signings and well-drilled tactics. Doing it for one season was tough, but now it’s about ensuring another generation does not face 37 years without a European trip with the club.

When those players leave the pitch tonight after facing Brann – it might seem fitting for credits to roll on a remarkable few seasons of progression for St Mirren.

But all major hits have sequels, right?

AND ANOTHER THING

It's amazing the people you bump into in another country without even realising their position.

In a quiet bar near the harbour in Bergen, three locals begin discussing the football – and joining the complaints over the Freshers week in Norway.

One of them is Helge Kvamme – a member of the audit board for SK Brann.

Quickly, he remarks on the friendly atmosphere between supporters of St Mirren and Brann.

He’s right, there has been a remarkable sense of community between the Euro rivals with the hosts even helping run busses from the St Mirren fan base, at the Fotballpuben, to the ground before kick-off.

And it’s not just in the bars and pubs of Bergen where St Mirren fans are making a difference – but also supporting a local charity in the area with donations to mark the trip.

Already, more than £2,500 has been donated to a fundraiser. On a trip costing fortunes for those making the journey and more for those shocked at the price of a round of drinks – it’s very special to see supporters reach into their pockets to help those who need it most.

You can donate HERE.