Corran Ferry update following constructive meeting with Council and Community Councils
There was a robust and constructive on-line meeting between the Council and representatives of the 6 Community Councils from the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and Nether Lochaber last night. (Thursday 27 April)
Issues discussed included the current mitigation measures in terms of ferry services and road improvements; the request for assistance to the MoD; details of the repairs required to the Council’s ferries MV Corran and Maid of Glencoul including anticipated timescales for their return; future developments; and improved communications.
It was confirmed that MV Corran Repairs are still expected to be completed by early June. All efforts are concentrated on achieving that and regular updates would be provided on progress.
Council Officers will make adjustments to timetables and road improvements in response to local advice and the Community Council representatives would continue to feed in suggestions to ensure a flexible response to the community’s needs. This includes opportunities to adjust ferry timetable from Ardgour.
The Council has undertaken an extensive programme of road improvements to extend passing places and enhanced signage. These works continue.
The Council is putting in place a shuttle bus service, working with local providers. A shortage of drivers has delayed implementation, but it is hoped that a combined bus/ferry timetable will be published in the first week of May.
The Council is aiming for a service between 0750 and approximately 1730, timed to connect via the Corran Ferry with Kinlochleven – Fort William buses, as well as some sailings at Camusnagaul. Consideration is also being given to additional minibus journeys between Fort William and Nether Lochaber. Additional sailings are already in place between Fort William and Camusnagaul. Once the service is in place, information will be posted online and kept updated.
There will also be improved information, including useful contact numbers, provided at the slipways on either side of the Loch.
The Community Councils also expressed in the strongest terms the significant detrimental socio-economic impact caused by the ongoing absence of a vessel capable of taking vehicles across the Loch, affecting tourism businesses in particular. Whilst sympathetic to the severity of these impacts, the Council’s Chief Executive reiterated the position expressed previously that there is no compensation route available either through the Council or the Scottish Government.
The community representatives urged the Council to consider all possible avenues for financial assistance to be explored.
It was agreed that the Council would assist with media communications that the Penninsula remains open to business with alternative road routes being advertised.
Looking ahead to future plans, it was agreed the Council would work with HITRANs to update an existing report on the costs, technical requirements and timescales of the various options - in terms of both ferry and fixed link - that had previously been investigated.
A further meeting is planned within the next two weeks to discuss longer term mitigation/emergency planning and options for replacing the existing service in the medium to long term.