Newlyweds stranded in Jamaica have failed in a desperate bid to make it home in time for their reception on Saturday.
Robbie Watson and Nicola Bryson faced a race against time to fly back to the UK after their original flight from Montego Bay last Saturday was cancelled.
Hopes of boarding the last possible flight that would have allowed them to get home in time were dashed, and Robbie told The Courier they had no alternative but to call off their reception.
He said, “We were told it was unlikely we would get on the flight and that it was a long shot. It’s obviously a major blow and we’re all down in the dumps.”
The couple and their five guests, including Nicola’s father Neil, hope to fly home on a British Airways flight on Saturday or on a Thomas Cook service on Monday.
Over 170 guests were to attend their reception at the David Lloyd sports centre at Ethiebeaton Park.
Robbie (29) said he had been trying to contact as many of them as possible, with the help of his mum Linda, who left Jamaica just before flights were grounded.
He said, “We’ve emailed the band and I’ve spoken to the venue on the phone. Then there’s the hassle of trying to get everything reorganised and get everyone available for another date.
“There were a few people coming from down south, but no one has already set off on their journey, so we’ve managed to catch everyone in time.”
The couple booked the trip with Thomas Cook, which is covering the cost of their extended stay.
A spokeswoman for the company said it was “looking after” the couple, but British Airways is responsible for ensuring their return home.
A BA source said, “We apologise most sincerely to Nicola and Robbie for the disruption to their plans. We are doing all we can to help customers stranded due to what have been unprecedented circumstances outwith our control.”
Meanwhile, a ferry carrying 157 travellers, including 17 children and four infants, stranded in Norway by the volcanic activity arrived safely back in Aberdeen on Thursday.
The MV Hamnavoe usually operates between Orkney and the mainland.