The Corran Ferry relief vessel Maid of Glencoul has returned to Loch Linnhe following the completion of its annual maintenance and repair programme.
The vessel returned during the week beginning 17 August after completing sea trials and is currently berthed at Fort William while infrastructure work continues at Ardgour.
Its return restores an important layer of resilience to the Corran Ferry service, providing a replacement vessel when the main ferry MV Corran is unavailable.
That will become particularly important later this year when MV Corran begins its own scheduled annual refit on 1 November.
Maid of Glencoul is expected to operate the service during that period and will also be able to carry Dangerous Goods.
MV Corran is currently operating its normal timetable seven days a week.
The relief vessel has returned while Highland Council continues work on the wider Corran Ferry Infrastructure Improvement Scheme.
That programme is intended to improve infrastructure used by passengers and ferry operations and strengthen the long term reliability of the crossing.
The Corran Ferry provides an important connection across the Corran Narrows for communities, businesses and visitors, with disruption to the service capable of leaving road users facing substantial alternative journeys.
Councillor Ken Gowans, Chair of the Economy and Infrastructure Committee, said:
“The return of the relief vessel Maid of Glencoul following her annual refit is welcome news for Corran Ferry users and reflects The Highland Council’s continued commitment to providing a reliable and resilient service for local communities, businesses and visitors.
“Having a fully operational relief vessel available, strengthens the resilience of the service, helping to minimise disruption and maintain this vital transport link across the Corran Narrows when the main vessel MV Corran is unavailable.
“We are also continuing to make good progress with the Corran Ferry Infrastructure Improvement Scheme (CFIIS), which will deliver lasting improvements for passengers and ferry operations.
“Together, these investments are enhancing the reliability of the service today while helping to secure a more resilient and sustainable future for the Corran Ferry for years to come.”
Maintaining both vessels is central to providing greater resilience on a crossing where the availability of a working ferry has significant consequences for surrounding communities.
The next test of that resilience will arrive in November when MV Corran leaves service for its scheduled maintenance.
This time Maid of Glencoul should be ready and waiting to take over.
