Scottish ferry out of service for a week awaiting repair
News there would be no service from the Highland Council-funded ferry came on Sunday, and by Tuesday concerns were mounting.
The Corran Ferry when operational. (Image: Getty Images) The five-minute journey across the Corran Narrows, between Corran and Ardgour, is considered a 'lifeline'. A diversion takes road users on a 42-mile, one hour and 15 minute detour.
Andrew Baxter, Highland Council member for Fort William and Ardnamurchan, said in Tuesday's update: 'As many of us feared, the initial hope that the Corran Ferry might be back in service by Wednesday has now proven to be overly optimistic.
'Highland Council has now confirmed that the replacement screen required to repair the steering fault on MV Corran is still being programmed, and won't be dispatched until Wednesday morning via special delivery. That means installation is now planned for Thursday at the earliest, subject to logistics and access arrangements.
'This is the same hardware fault that was identified earlier—a failure of the onboard steering screen that left the ferry stuck in emergency mode.'
He said it highlighted 'a recurring issue with the vessel's ageing systems that urgently needs addressing'.
Mr Baxter added: 'Frankly, I'm disappointed but not surprised. We've seen time and again how these situations unfold: optimistic repair timelines, lack of contingency planning, and communities left without a lifeline service.
'Once again, Lochaber residents are bearing the brunt of long-standing failures in ferry infrastructure investment. The lack of a working backup vessel, with the Maid of Glencoul still awaiting parts after its refit, only makes matters worse.
'I'll continue to press for updates and will share any new information as soon as I receive it.'
Craig Williams revealed the plight of the ferry as the issue and the disruption to the service unfolded.
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In November, the Scottish Government said Highland Council could use up to £28 million of its funding through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal to deliver a new electric ferry.
Highland Council said that the funding announcement, alongside the existing investment commitments for improvements to the related shoreside infrastructure, serves to "safeguard the future" of the ferry service.
The ferry provides a key connection between the A82 and A861, linking the communities of Fort Williams, Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morar, Morvern and the Isle of Mull.
It carries more than 270,000 cars and 10,000 foot passengers each year.
Also this week, in the latest edition of our Business HQ Monthly, I was interested in the boost to performance companies that had changed into employee ownership had experienced.
Firms that have switched to the ownership trust model are citing ripple effect benefits that are bolstering production.
Hundreds of firms across Scotland have opted to move the majority of shares to staff and have said it provides security and continuity.
One historic firm that has seen a number of ownership structures, United Auctions, said the move to an employee ownership trust will help maintain the longevity of the business.
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