The Press and Journal (Inverness, Highlands, and Islands)
Newlyweds’ run of bad luck goes on
Malta: Pair stranded as holiday firm goes bust
A newlywed couple whose big day was spoiled when a ceiling collapsed have been left stranded in Malta.
Keith and Sharon Clark's wedding reception ended in disaster when they and another couple were evacuated from Dundee's Queens Hotel after part of the venue's roof caved in.
The couple – along with Gary and Emily Parkin – were in the middle of celebrating tying the knot when the ceiling fell down, leaving Mr Parkin’s best man and brother Neil with concussion.
Following their night of drama, the new Mr and Mrs Clark, from Aberdeen, jetted off to Malta for their honeymoon.
But when they arrived at their hotel, they were told because tour operator Low Cost Holidays had ceased trading the previous Friday, their dream break was no longer available.
The couple have since had to raid their spending money to fund two nights’ accommodation and food.
Speaking from Malta, Mr Clark, 50, admitted he could not believe their run of bad luck.
The offshore worker said: “It's been a total nightmare. After what happened at the weekend this is just the icing on the cake.”
The Clarks have since been helped to find alternative accommodation by a separate holiday provider and have also enjoyed winning a trip to Tenerife, which they plan to take advantage of to mark their first anniversary next year.
But Mr Clark said: “We'll just have to scrimp and save till next Tuesday when we come home.
“We were absolutely unaware of what had happened to them (Low Cost Holidays).”
Reports emerged yesterday which suggested holidaymakers who booked through Low Cost may be entitled to just £7.50 in compensation.
Finbarr O’Connell and Henry Shinners from the firm's administrators, Smith and Williamson, said: “We currently believe there are around 140,000 customers who have lost out.”