A Highland musician whose hopes of travelling to the USA for the World Cup appeared to be hanging in the balance has finally secured his visa and is preparing to make the journey to Boston.
Torridon frontman Kenny Smith had feared he would miss Scotland’s first appearance at a FIFA World Cup finals in 28 years after discovering that his electronic system for travel authorisation (Esta) had been unexpectedly revoked by US immigration authorities.
Despite having previously travelled to New York on the same Esta and having no criminal record, the 45-year-old found himself caught up in what he described as an “absolute shambles of bureaucracy”, with officials unable to explain why his travel status had suddenly changed from “approved” to “travel not authorised”.
The setback left Kenny facing the prospect of losing thousands of pounds spent on flights, accommodation and match tickets for Scotland’s group-stage matches.
At the time, he estimated he had committed “well over £10,000 and not far away from £20,000” to the trip.
He contacted MPs, MSPs and even First Minister John Swinney in a plea for help as the clock ticked down towards his planned departure date.
Only days ago, he had spoken of being “absolutely gobsmacked” by the situation and questioned how an authorisation that had already allowed him to travel to the United States could suddenly be revoked without explanation.
Now, after days of uncertainty, Kenny has received the news he had been desperately hoping for.
Following an appointment at the Embassy in London and submission of the required paperwork, his visa has been approved.
In a video shared online, he said: “What a feeling.
“I’m going to Boston – I’ll see you’s there.”
