Scotland’s ferry crisis left a young shinty player trying to get to a match with no other option but to use her kayak.
Katie Connolly was trying to get across Loch Linnhe in the Highlands last Sunday from Corran to her home village of Ardgour where she was due to play.
But with the match starting at 1pm she didn’t have enough time for the one hour 15 minute diversion by road via Fort William.
So the 17-year-old expert kayaker made a quick call to her parents and which saw mum Jess kayak across the water from Ardgour with another kayak in toe for Katie.
Mum and daughter then made the 300 yard crossing back home where Katie’s dad, Ali, was waiting to drive his her to nearby Strontian in time for the match.
It comes as the Scottish Government revealed the military could be brought in to cover the route.
Katie, who was at work on an internship with Puffin Dive Centre in Oban before travelling to Corran for the ferry on Sunday morning, said: “It was my mum’s suggestion to kayak across because it’s 44 miles from slipway to slipway and takes an hour and a quarter to drive, she thought it would save me time and petrol and I thought sounds like great craic.
“My mum, 46 and dad, 43, both used to be outdoor instructors and I have grown up kayaking from a young age.
“I have kayaked round the Corran Narrows many times.
“My mum looked at the tide times to make sure it wasn’t running too strong when we were going to cross and she was with me for both crossings.
“I definitely wouldn’t have done this on my own, I’m glad I had someone with me. The paddle back was a bit more tricky with all the bruises from my shinty game.”
A reduced service has been running on the five-minute crossing of Loch Linnhe since January as the main ferry on the Highland Council service, the MV Corran, was taken off for repairs.
The MV Maid of Glencoul had been covering the route until it broke down last Friday leaving locals and tourists facing the diversion of around 42 miles.
Locals are now planning a demonstration in Inverness, to show the strength of feeling, when the council meets next month.
A spokesman for Highland Council said representatives had met with community reps to discuss the challenges and explore mitigation measures which include the introduction of two foot passenger services and road improvements to the alternative routes for vehicles.
The spokesman added: “A foot passenger service is now up and running on the route and on Monday we hope to announce details of the RIB (rigid inflatable boat) shuttle and a free bus service that will link in with the RIB timetable.
“While we understand the challenges the Corran Ferry disruption is having, our focus remains on continuing to support local businesses and communities as best we can within our resources, and ensuring the MV Corran is back in service as soon as possible.
“The council, along with multi-agency partners, is continuing to work to do all they can to support communities until the ferry is back in operation. This however, will be in the region of six to eight weeks away.”
Scotland’s Transport Minister has confirmed the local authority has been in contact regarding military assistance.
Transport Minister Kevin Stewart said: “The Highland Council has made contact with the Scottish Government regarding military support.
“The Scottish Government will liaise with The Highland Council to consider how this is taken forward.
“There is a structured process to follow for military assistance and any final decision will be for MoD.”
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