The MV Corran ferry has returned to service across the Corran Narrows, restoring the vital lifeline route used daily by residents, businesses and visitors travelling between Ardgour and Nether Lochaber.
The vessel resumed its normal seven day a week timetable at 6pm on Wednesday 11th of March following the completion of its annual refit and successful sea trials.
For communities on the Ardnamurchan and Ardgour peninsula the return of the ferry marks a welcome moment after several months of disruption while the vessel was undergoing maintenance work.
The Corran Ferry route is one of the busiest single vessel ferry crossings in Scotland and provides a crucial connection between the A82 at Nether Lochaber and the road network serving Ardgour and the wider peninsula.
During the refit period the relief vessel Maid of Glencoul operated the service, maintaining daily crossings despite the challenges of operating an older vessel.
Over the course of 126 days of the outage the relief ferry missed only six days of service while crews and marine engineers worked to keep the route operating.
The return of the MV Corran restores the full capacity and reliability that local residents and businesses depend on for work, deliveries, tourism and everyday travel.
Highland Council says the extended refit period was caused by delays in obtaining specialist Original Equipment Manufacturer parts needed to complete the work safely.
The repair programme ultimately lasted three months and was extended by around one additional month while the required components were sourced.
Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair Councillor Ken Gowans said the return of the ferry would be welcomed by communities who rely on the crossing.
“We know how critical the Corran Ferry service is to residents, businesses and visitors, so we are very pleased to see the MV Corran safely back in operation.
“The extended duration of the refit was due to Original Equipment Manufacturer parts delays, which extended the repair programme by one month.
“We fully appreciate the disruption caused and regret the reduced service level when the relief vessel is in service, particularly for commercial vehicles, and the wider impact on the community.
“Ensuring a reliable and safe service for the Corran Narrows remains a priority and with the landside infrastructure work having just begun, over the next 18 months we will see significant developments to help us reach our goal of a new electric ferry service in the coming years.
“Our ferry crew has been exceptional throughout a challenging period, working tirelessly to bring the MV Corran home and ready for service.
“I would like to thank them for their hard work, commitment and continued dedication to the communities they serve.”
Major investment in the route is also now under way through the £30 million Corran Ferry Infrastructure Improvement Scheme.
Work taking place over the next 18 months will deliver a new slipway and overnight berthing pier at Ardgour along with upgraded infrastructure at Nether Lochaber including a breakwater, marshalling area, parking and improved public facilities.
The improvements are designed to support the arrival of a new electric ferry which forms part of a wider £58 million transport investment funded through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal.
For communities on both sides of the Corran Narrows the return of the MV Corran brings a return to normal travel and a reminder of how central the crossing remains to life on the west coast.
