Council representatives listen to community concerns during visit to Ardgour

Community representatives and Local Ward Members were invited to a meeting in Ardgour yesterday (Wednesday 23 August), to discuss the Corran Ferry position.

Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee chaired the meeting and welcomed Scottish Minister for Transport, Fiona Hyslop to the meeting.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “I was grateful to be joined by the Minister for Transport, Fiona Hyslop at the meeting in Ardgour, to hear first-hand from the community representatives of the challenges and economic impacts experienced due to ongoing technical issues of the Corran Ferry vessels. It is important that we understand the depth of feeling and the challenges the community have, which will continue to inform our efforts going forward to ensure a sustainable and reliable service will be provided.”

The Council confirmed that MV Corran is now on dry dock at Ardmaleish boat yard on the Isle of Bute and both internal and external work has commenced, with all efforts concentrated on achieving the return of the MV Corran to service as soon as possible. Weekly progress updates will be provided by the Council to the Corran Ferry Steering Group.

Daily temporary foot passenger services are operating from Fort William and Corran to Ardgour, timetables are available to view here. The free shuttle bus service to and from Camusnagaul continues.

The A861 alternative road routes around the Loch has recently been improved with additional signage and expanded passing places. It is likely to be busier than normal and we ask all drivers to allow extra journey time, to avoid convoy traffic and to use the passing places to allow traffic to safely pass.