Hebridean families separated by 2,000 miles help find tiny boat

The boat, called Pie on the Tide, was launched as part of a schools science and environment project called the Miniboat Programme, external.

Once it became obvious the craft was heading for Barra, Gemma, who left the isles four years ago, was asked by her daughter’s school if she might know anyone who could look out for it.

“I was able to send the co-ordinates to my brother whose girlfriend [Calum Iain’s sister] is there and her family retrieved the mini boat,” she said.

Michelle MacLean, deputy head teacher at Castlebay Primary School where Calum Iain is a pupil, said the boat was in “pretty good” condition after its almost 100 day-long, 2,000-mile crossing.

She added: “Calum and his father are at the moment looking at doing some preparation work to mend the sail, and there are a couple of other parts of it to make and then we’re hoping to relaunch it.”

Michelle said it was hoped the boat’s next stop would be Norway.