HarryMann wrote: . . . but better now than in the middle of nowhere though

Agreed! Unfortunately we're not going to be able to get the coolant pump replaced before we head off to Orkney this weekend (a round trip of approx. 1200 miles). Plan B therefore is to order the part(s) and take them with us and if the situation deteriorates dramatically then we'll have the parts to take to a local garage whilst on holiday and ask if they'll do the work. So two questions really:
(1) is this a silly plan that is asking for trouble (we've had the coolant leak for several months now before I've been able to locate it, so I'm in the habit of keeping a close eye on the coolant level in the top-up tank). We've got breakdown cover.
(2) in addition to getting the right pump from VW what other bits do we need to take in order to get this job done. I've looked in Wiki, Haynes and previous posts on here and come up with this list:
~ 6 bottles of G12+ (i.e. 8-9L)
~ stub hose that joins the thermostat housing to left hand cylinder head
~ 'O' rings for pump flange and distribution pipe
~ gasket for pump face
~ Blue Hylomar gasket sealant
Any other bits that would be needed to get this job done by a garage, without being delayed for several days waiting for parts to arrive? Do the 'O' rings and gasket that are needed, come with the pump or do they have to be ordered separately?
Very grateful for any advice and info.
Cheers
Tony