‘Ferry taxi deal is a lifeline for our Annie’
Delighted Strontian schoolgirl Annie Morris is back to school at Glencoe House – after a taxi was sorted to take her to the Corran crossing passenger ferry and bring her back home.
Annie is now collected by an accompanied taxi service from the Corran crossing.
The 14-year-old, pictured, who has a dual diagnosis of autism and Down syndrome, had been stranded at home due to the ferry crisis, leaving her unable to get to the enhanced provision unit attached to Lochaber High School in Fort William.
Highland Council executives had promised Annie’s parents Hilary and Julian that their daughter would not miss out on school – but no solution to the travel logistics had been forthcoming.
Annie is unable to travel without support and previously her mum had been making the twice daily trip from the peninsula across on the ferry to drive her to and from school.
The situation came to a head as the ferry issues escalated, but the teenager will now be collected by an accompanied taxi service from the Corran crossing to let her get her back to school.
Mum-of-four Hilary told the Lochaber Times that her daughter was “delighted” to be back in the classroom.
She said: “Annie is so happy to be back at school. The taxi service is giving her muchneeded independence, helping to boost her confidence and giving her skills for the future.”
Hilary, who has a younger daughter at Ardnamurchan High School, added: “I am also delighted to have more time to dedicate to the rest of the family and our business as my travel to get Annie to school has reduced to an hour each morning and afternoon rather than a whole day spent driving or on the ferry.”
Dad Julian added “We are so grateful to Kate Lackie, chief executive at the Highland Council, for listening to our concerns and acting. This is life-changing for Annie and our family.
“It has highlighted how important it is that this service continues once the car ferry returns, and we are hopeful that now this has been put in place, it remains a permanent provision for Annie.”