A train defect threatens to leave BOB HIND stranded in Scotland’s sixth largest city, but he manages to spend a long day in Orkney on the fourth part* of his tour of the bus routes of Scotland’s offshore islands before starting to explore their Shetland equivalents * Part 3 last month
DAY 6 CONTINUED
My 120-mile taxi ride
I am sure the scenery between Kyle of Lochalsh and Inverness is beautiful and spectacular and the speed of the train service is such that passengers can enjoy every aspect.
But I am spending the next 2hr trying to work out if I can leave the train earlier and pick up the Stagecoach X99, which I have already booked, farther along its route. I cannot, but the train conductor is still adamant that, if I miss my connection, ScotRail will provide a taxi.
We arrive in Inverness at 20.18. The conductor has phoned forward to arrange a taxi; he tells me to wait with the customer service staff on the station forecourt and it will be along imminently. I cannot believe this is happening. Do they know where Thurso is? After about 15min, the guard, who is now off duty, comes to me totally distraught. Apparently taxis have to be booked and sanctioned through Glasgow. They have refused. He and the cus…
