Foot passenger ferry services between Camusnagaul and Fort William will be expanded during this year’s Royal National Mòd, following calls from the local community and support from Highland Council’s ward discretionary fund.
The additional crossings will run throughout the nine days of the Mòd, making it easier for residents on the south side of Loch Linnhe to access evening events in Fort William, some of which take place after the last scheduled Corran Ferry sailing.
The decision follows discussions between Highland Councillor Sarah Fanet, community councillor Claire Bennett, council officials and Highland Ferries, the operator of the Camusnagaul passenger service.
A statement from Fort William and Ardnamurchan ward councillors, Andrew Baxter, Sarah Fanet, Thomas MacLennan and Kate Willis, welcomed the expanded timetable and urged local residents to make the most of the extra sailings.
“We are very grateful to Highland Ferries for this special timetable, which will make it easier for residents to enjoy the Royal National Mòd,” the councillors said.
“The passenger ferry from Camusnagaul offers an enjoyable and efficient way to travel into Fort William, and we strongly encourage residents on the peninsula to use this opportunity.
“It’s also a chance to demonstrate that the demand for this service is there and is strong.”
The initiative was supported by funding from the ward’s discretionary budget and reflects wider efforts to ensure that the benefits of the Mòd are felt across all communities in Lochaber.
Thanks were also extended to council officers for working closely with Mòd organisers to coordinate event scheduling and ferry timings, and to Community Councillor Claire Bennett-Levy for engaging with residents to identify transport needs.
Dougie Robertson, owner of Highland Ferries, said the company was happy to respond to community interest and ensure more people can attend and enjoy the festival atmosphere in Fort William.
The Royal National Mòd returns to Lochaber this October and will see hundreds of performers and spectators converge on Fort William for a week of Gaelic music, song, and culture.
Events range from school and senior competitions to traditional ceilidhs and choral showcases, many of which run into the evening.
Without the additional sailings, some peninsula residents would have been unable to attend.
The new ferry timetable will be published locally and shared via Mòd organisers and community networks in the coming days.
