Mongolia trip halted by red tape

Published 19 Aug 2010 11:29 0 Comments

STRANDED in no-man's land, and at the mercy of a Russian bureaucrat, the intrepid crew of an old fire engine heading from Helensburgh to Mongolia have been languishing in 42 degree temperatures between Russia and Ukraine for six days.

On their way with the fire engine are Steve Smith and his step sister Kate Austin from Portincaple, Garelochhead fireman Colin Taylor and friends Cameron Caine, Stuart Browne and Matt Hamilton.

For the last six days they have been trapped between the border of Ukraine and Russia and have been trying to persuade a particularly recalcitrant Russian customs officer to let them through.

"It has all been very frustrating," said Steve this week, "We have been allowed to get out to buy water but we can't get across the border because this one man doesn't like us."

READ THE FULL STORY IN THIS WEEK'S ADVERTISER

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This article appeared in Helensburgh Advertiser 19 Aug 10

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