3 days ago
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.
