Plans for a replacement Corran Ferry approved by councillors

Plans for a replacement Corran Ferry service have taken a step forward.

Members of the Highland Council’s economy and infrastructure committee have been poring over the details for an updated service on Loch Linnhe.

The outline business case final report outlines the need for shore infrastructure upgrades and new vessels, improving Scotland’s busiest ferry route.

Councillors approved the final report today – a major step forward for the project, in which the council has set aside £1.6m for vessel design and shore infrastructure.

The report includes a preferred option of two electric vessels, with a capacity of 32 vehicles each.

However, funding has not yet been sourced for the building of the vessels, with the council expecting to attract further funding in the future.

Current Corran Ferry is 22 years old

The Corran Ferry carries over 270,000 cars each year and clocks up more than 30,000 sailings per year across the Corran Narrows, seven miles south of Fort William.

The current vessel MV Corran, was built in 2001 in Hull at a cost of £2.9m and is the latest in a long list of ships to traverse the route.

It provides an essential connection for the peninsular communities of Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morar, Morvern, the Isle of Mull and beyond.

Committee chairman Ken Gowans said: “A lot of work has gone into getting to this stage so I would like to thank our staff, the Corran Ferry Steering Group, and all stakeholders, especially the communities for their effort and commitment to securing a future for the ferry service.

“As part of the work we commissioned a socio-economic study which highlights that the Corran Ferry is an essential lifeline service that serves a wide variety of purposes including providing access to employment and other key services for residents, acting as a gateway for tourists visiting the peninsula, and supporting the supply chain needs of the above communities as well as those of the Isle of Mull.

“Now we have agreed on a robust outline business case final report we look forward to continuing to work closely with all stakeholders, including both UK and Scottish Governments, to secure the external funding required to make this investment and safeguard the ferry service for generations to come.”