Over one hundred stranded tourists are set to spend another night at Dundee University amid uncertainty about how and when they will get home. The travellers, most of whom are German, were flying from Frankfurt to Calgary in Canada when the terrorists struck in the US.
Although many of the passengers do not speak English, language experts from the university have been drafted in to help translate. Staff at the West Park Villas have also been able to help, with one waitress in particular using her fluent German to ensure the tourists time in Dundee is as comfortable as possible.
The residents had been expecting to continue their travels early this morning. Mrs Jean Forbes, front of house manager at the West Park Villas, was awoken at 04.40 this morning in order to ensure they were ready for an expected 7am departure. However just as they were getting on a coach due to take them to Glasgow a call was received informing them that this flight was no longer going ahead.
Efforts are now being made to ensure the remaining time spent in Dundee is as comfortable and positive as possible in the circumstances. The university has opened its swimming pool, tennis courts, squash courts and gymnasium all free of charge to the passengers and is preparing to include them in a lunchtime concert, due to be held in the chaplaincy centre, tomorrow lunchtime. E-mail access has also been provided for all those staying in West Park to ensure they can keep in touch with family and friends.
Meanwhile the Angus and Dundee Tourist Board have also been working with the university in trying to take care of the unexpected residents, laying on a free coach and tour of the Discovery Centre and putting together a bag of gifts. Jillian Swankie, Operations Manager for the Tourist Board said: ''Like many people our staff and members are shocked by the awful events in the US. Our heartfelt sympathies go to all those who have been injured or are waiting to hear news of loved ones who are still missing.
We are pleased to offer what support we can during this very difficult time and are particularly grateful to Discovery Point for opening their doors and to stagecoach for providing complimentary transport to the visitor attraction. Together with other Tourist Board members we are drawing up plans for further visits across the area for as long as the passengers are in Dundee.''
The tourists now expect to resume their travels at the weekend.