We obtain an exact finite-size expression for the probability that a percolation hull will touch the boundary, on a strip of finite width. In terms of clusters, this corresponds to the one-arm probability. Our calculation is based on the q-deformed Knizhnik–Zamolodchikov approach, and the results are expressed in terms of symplectic characters. In the large size limit, we recover the scaling behaviour predicted by Schramm's left-passage formula. We also derive a general relation between the left-passage probability in the Fortuin–Kasteleyn cluster model and the magnetisation profile in the open XXZ chain with diagonal, complex boundary terms.