Highland Cross 'working flat out' after transport crisis threat
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PARTICIPANTS in the Highland Cross duathlon have been left scrabbling to find alternative transport to this year's event after a bus company ferrying some people to the start pulled out.
More than 130 people are being urged to find their own way to the event at Morvich on Saturday – with organisers warning that if enough people cannot find alternative arrangements they will need to ballot "for cancellation of teams" from the event this evening (Thursday).
And Highland Cross organisers say they are "working flat out" to try to source alternative arrangements with just 48 hours left.
The news first emerged after Highland Cross took to social media to flag up a critically urgent email to participants.
Marking their post "urgent", Highland Cross said: "You have been sent a critical email from SI Entries, it is vital that you read and respond appropriately as detailed within the email.
"If you have not received the email please check your spam and check with your team that they have received it.
"We cannot stress strongly enough how important this email is."
Those who received the email were given the grave news.
It read: "One of the bus companies hired months ago to transport participants to Morvich has cancelled the contract at lunchtime today (Wednesday).
"This takes five buses out of our fleet, and affects a large number of our fleet, and affects a large number of our participants.
"We have been desperately trying to hire replacements from across Scotland with very limited success.
"For this event to go ahead, we have to ask 44 teams or 132 individuals to find their own way to Morvich or we will have to ballot for cancellation of teams from the event.
"This ballot will take place [on Thursday] evening. If you have been doubtful about attending, please let us know now as every bus seat is vital in this current situation.
"If you can make your own way to Morvich please email infor@highlandcross.co.uk as soon as possible or at the every latest by 7pm on Thursday.
"If you intend to make your own way, it is critical that you inform us so that we can balance the remaining bus seats available.
"Cars MUST approach Morvich from the south as the road to Morvich is extremely narrow and we operate a one-way system.
"There is no parking available at Morvich, cars delivering participants must drop them and go immediately."
Responding to news of transport troubles, several participants posted online.
Faye Gonzalez said: "If anyone who has found alternative transport is coming from Moray please let me know… rather desperately trying to find a lift!"
A number also put out feelers to other bus operators to ask if there was anything they could do to help, but unfortunately those that responded said they were sadly already booked.
Hilary Cameron suggested: "Time to call up all those fine minibuses funded by the Highland Cross over the years?"
To which Highland Cross replied: "A lot are already booked for the Cross. Lots of good folk trying to help us and we are working flat out!"
Highland Cross is a 50-mile long duathlon which sees participants travel from Scotland's west to east coasts, starting off in Kintail and heading through Glen Affric and Strathglass before reaching Beauly. The route involves 20 miles on foot and 30 by bike.
This year almost 800 people were expected to take part, split between 265 teams of three.
The event is usually a big money spinner for charity. Each team is expected to raise a minimum of £500 in sponsorship, which is then given to charities nominated by Highland Cross. So news that dozens of teams may not be able to take part will come as a big blow, unless alternative travel arrangements are found in time.
