Extra ferry lets service go ahead

A church service on Rathlin Island which had been cancelled because the ferry service was booked up by a hen party has gone ahead after all.

Rathlin Island's picturesque scenery is attracting more visitors

It had been feared the monthly winter service in St Thomas' Church could not take place because the visiting minister could not get a seat on the ferry back to Ballycastle.

However, ferry company Caledonian MacBrayne put on an extra sailing on Sunday for the partygoers.

This meant the Church of Ireland's Canon Kenneth Ruddock was able to get the 1500 service back to the mainland.

The winter services are normally attended by about seven islanders.

'Bemused'

Noel McCurdy, who is the vice chairman of the local community association, said he was glad the problem had been resolved.

He said the hen party was bemused at being caught up in the ferry issue but he had heard that they had a good night out.

"It's good to see people coming to the island, and everyone is welcome," he added.

Mr McCurdy said islanders hoped to arrange a meeting with the government to complain about ferry services for the island.

Located off the north coast of Antrim, Rathlin is only 14 miles from the Mull of Kintyre in Scotland.