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The Herald Scotland
3 days ago
- The Herald Scotland
Highland Council presses ahead with Corran Ferry foot passenger fares
But the move was delayed after a group of councillors pushed for a full debate, as local opposition grew. The plan, which would have raised around £20,000 a year, has now been approved despite fears it could damage the area's 'fragile' economy. The ferry service carries over 10,000 foot passengers per year. Located between the A82 and A861, it provides a 'lifeline' connection linking the communities of Fort William, Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morar, Morvern and the Isle of Mull. The alternative journey by road around Loch Linnhe takes about two hours, with the ferry providing regular runs seven days a week, with each journey taking five minutes. The ferry is seen as a vital link for some of Scotland's most rural communities (Image: Caroline Wilson) There had been calls for the council to 'pause and review' the scheme until an economic impact investigation could be carried out by October – and allow foot passengers to travel for free until then. Councillors Andrew Baxter and Kate Willis had both called for a pause, brining the issue to a vote before the whole council However, after a vote on Thursday councillors decided to press ahead with the plan to bring in the charges. The debate in Inverness heard emotive speeches from many councillors, with Ardnamurchan representative Sarah Fannet warning that people paying £4 each way to cross the Corran Narrows would lead to a cost of '£80 a month to walk to work'. READ MORE: First foot passenger fare approved for 'lifeline' ferry route Fares to increase on one of Scotland's most scenic ferry routes A petition against the charge had attracted almost 800 signatures, with a local business warns of job losses if the "ferry tax" had gone ahead. Two years ago the ageing MV Corran and back-up MV Maid of Glencoul ferries both broke down, stopping vehicle crossings for 145 days. According to reports, the loss of ferry crossings lead to firms struggling, with the economic loss counted in millions. Ardnamurchan (Image: NQ) Luke Alexander, who owns and runs The Inn at Ardgour where the Corran Ferry lands, said the foot fare would be a "terrible idea". He told the West Coast Today website: "We were never consulted about this in any way. Economically for Ardgour, it has the potential to be devastating. "To add £4 per person to the cost of their visit is prohibitive. It will be like a tax on their visit. "We will lose a minimum of £40,000 in sales, with a worst case scenario of losses exceeding £80,000." Highland Council said the new charge will come into effect this summer and will include foot passengers and pedal cyclists.
Yahoo
10-03-2025
- Yahoo
Europe's busiest single-ferry route in £30m upgrade
Plans have been submitted for £30m of infrastructure improvements for Europe's busiest single-vessel ferry service. Highland Council's Corran Ferry carries about 270,000 cars and 11,000 commercial vehicles a year. The five minute crossing of Loch Linnhe's Corran Narrows links the wider Lochaber area with communities in the Ardgour peninsula in the west. The alternative journey by road around the loch takes about two hours. Highland Council has submitted a planning application to build a new slipway and overnight berthing at Ardgour. Also, on the Nether Lochaber side, constructing a new marshalling area for vehicles, cycle path, parking and a new protective barrier called a breakwater. Highland Council would provide £10m towards the cost, while £20m would come from the UK government through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal. Separately, the local authority hopes to replace the service's aging ferry. The Scottish government has said £28m could be used from the city region deal towards a new electric ferry. The money was initially allocated for an upgrade of the Longman interchange on the A9, but councillors appealed to the Scottish government to change investment priorities. Over the years, the ferry service has been hit by significant disruption with major breakdowns affecting the main vessel, MV Corran, and its relief boat - MV Maid of Glencoul. In October 2023, MV Corran returned to service after a year out of action. The boat was withdrawn for maintenance the previous October but this work was hampered by delays. Corran Ferry vessel faces new repairs delay 'Five-minute ferry trip opens up the world to us' Highland Council
BBC News
10-03-2025
- BBC News
Plans submitted for £30m Corran Ferry facilities upgrade
Plans have been submitted for £30m of infrastructure improvements for Europe's busiest single-vessel ferry Council's Corran Ferry carries about 270,000 cars and 11,000 commercial vehicles a five minute crossing of Loch Linnhe's Corran Narrows links the wider Lochaber area with communities in the Ardgour peninsula in the alternative journey by road around the loch takes about two hours. Highland Council has submitted a planning application to build a new slipway and overnight berthing at on the Nether Lochaber side, constructing a new marshalling area for vehicles, cycle path, parking and a new protective barrier called a Council would provide £10m towards the cost, while £20m would come from the UK government through the Inverness and Highland City Region the local authority hopes to replace the service's aging Scottish government has said £28m could be used from the city region deal towards a new electric money was initially allocated for an upgrade of the Longman interchange on the A9, but councillors appealed to the Scottish government to change investment the years, the ferry service has been hit by significant disruption with major breakdowns affecting the main vessel, MV Corran, and its relief boat - MV Maid of October 2023, MV Corran returned to service after a year out of boat was withdrawn for maintenance the previous October but this work was hampered by delays.
