Marlene’s 40-year-old ticket gets her to Mull
CalMac keep promise to customer after cancellation in 1977
A PENSIONER enjoyed a dream Hebridean island trip yesterday – 40 years after she booked it.
Saturday Night Fever was all the rage when Marlene Gullon bought tickets for a Caledonian MacBrayne holiday to Iona and Staffa in 1977.
But the itinerary was cancelled when the ferry had to divert to South Uist to pick up livestock instead.
Although Marlene and her husband Laurence joined the overnight sailing to South Uist, she got a letter from the ferry company saying that if the couple ever returned to Oban they would honour the original trip.
Yesterday, CalMac kept that promise as 75-year-old Marlene, from Newcastle, was their guest on the £60 Three Isles trip to Mull, Iona and Staffa.
Laurence, 77, wasn’t able to travel but she was joined by family friend Colin MacPherson, 67.
A delighted Marlene said: “I can’t remember how much we paid for the original trip but I think CalMac have been wonderful to do this after all this time.
“I kept the letter and it’s been a laughing point for some time – every time people go on about going on a cruise, I have mentioned it.”
She added: “Colin wanted to see Staffa and I have always wanted to see Iona, because my maiden name is MacKinnon and MacKinnons are associated with Iona. So I contacted CalMac last week to see if they would honour the offer.
“They told me to send them letter I had, which I did, and I got a special delivery back on Saturday to say they would honour it.”
Marlene said the 1977 trip to South Uist on the Columba, which is now the Hebridean Princess private cruise ship, was pretty rough.
Yesterday, she and Colin enjoyed a smooth crossing from Oban to Mull before travelling on to Iona and Staffa.
CalMac’s head of service delivery Robert Morrison said: “We were delighted to be able to honour this 40-year commitment.
“I’m sure Mrs Gullon will find the wait was worth it.”
Speaking from Iona, Marlene said: “It’s pouring with rain here but it’s worth it – it’s just fantastic.”