Clark family arrive in UK after flight disruption
A Broughty Ferry family could yet be reunited for Christmas after bad weather left relatives stranded in the United States.
Airport snowploughs in action.
- By Jonathan Watson
- Published in the Courier : 22.12.10
- Published online : 22.12.10 @ 07.24pm
Dr Struan Clark, his wife Margie and children Hamish (14) and Frances (12), were flying to Heathrow from Auckland, New Zealand, via Los Angeles.
After completing the first leg of their journey, the family found themselves stuck in California on Sunday due to the snow that closed airports in and around London.
Amid improving conditions, relatives in Tayside received news on Tuesday that the group were finally winging their way to British shores after their extended stay in the States, and although problems continue at Heathrow, hope remains that a traditional family Christmas can be fulfilled.
Dr Clark's mother Evelyn told The Courier, "We got a call from the airport in Los Angeles to say they were standing watching other families check-in.
"They were told that families were being given priority.
"We then got an email from our grandson saying that they had a flight for about midnight our time.
"They landed about midday today but unfortunately the situation with flights at Heathrow is not too good.
Mrs Clark was to welcome her son, daughter-in-law and grandchildren to their Dundee Road home earlier this week.
Although flying to Scotland remains a hurdle, she remains hopeful that the bulk of the holiday can still be enjoyed together.
Mrs Clark added, "They've been fortunate that they've been in a hotel and not like those at Heathrow who have been sleeping on floors.
"It's getting to the stage where if they do make it then they will be lucky as a lot of people are not getting away for Christmas.
"My granddaughter has never had a white Christmas before and was praying for snow.
"I think she got it!"
Picture used under Creative Commons licence courtesy of Flickr user jronaldlee.
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