Stranded welcome

Residences staff who leapt into action within a couple of hours of the terrorist attacks on America were heaped with thanks by the 136 stranded air passengers they accommodated, who praised the warmth and efficiency of their reception. Staff across the university responded quickly to make their stay as positive as possible in the circumstances - giving free access to the swimming pool and sports facilities, IT services and Chaplaincy concert, with DUSA volunteering the use of its minibuses. A linguist from the centre for applied language studies was drafted in to help with translation with some unexpected help from first year law student Elena Carlyne who was temping as a waitress.

The TVs and telephones in every room at the Villas were in full use as passengers tried to establish contact with relatives and find out what had been going on. Bulletin boards giving the latest information from the airlines were set up in the foyer and campus/city maps were swiftly copied for their use. On day two a complimentary coach trip to the Discovery Centre was laid on by the Angus and Dundee Tourist Board and every passenger was given a souvenir copy of the Dundee A Voyage of Discovery book.

"People have been so friendly and helpful - it sure has been cheering in such terrible circumstances" said one USA couple who had been on their way home to Chicago. Another, who was on a flight from Frankfurt to Calgary said "We were above Greenland when the pilot told us there had been 'an incident' and we were diverting. It was not until after we landed that we found out what had happened." Two Indian passengers with no English thought they were in Canada until a cameraman from Grampian TV was able to address them in their native tongue next day.

Front of house manager at West Park Jean Forbes said: "The staff responded tremendously well. Rooms which had been prepared as singles for freshers were swiftly adjusted to take couples. People were running around with extra pillows and cups, a buffet was swiftly prepared for the passengers who were tired and bemused with what had been happening. Many of the passengers were Germans with little or no English."

Food managers George Mackenzie and Sturrock Richie were quick to organise an emergency buffet to make the hungry and weary passengers more comfortable. Meanwhile housekeeping staff Pat Carnegie and Kirsten Sarec were diverted from Belmont Hall to prepare rooms.

Meanwhile a major international cancer conference due to run from 15-18 September at the West Park Centre had to be cancelled. The Mdm2 workshop, organised by Professor Sir David Lane and Dr David Meek, was expecting 160 delegates, many from the USA. It is expected to be rescheduled for July next year.

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