Construction of the £30 million Corran Ferry Infrastructure Improvement Scheme has reached a significant milestone, with major engineering work now well underway at both Nether Lochaber and Ardgour as one of the Highlands’ most important transport links moves closer to a major upgrade.
Five months into the 18 month construction programme, work has entered one of its busiest phases, with marine operations now taking centre stage as contractors build new slipways, an overnight berth and a breakwater designed to improve the resilience and reliability of the busy ferry crossing.
The scheme is backed by £30 million through the Inverness and Highland City Region Deal, including £20 million from the UK Government and £10 million from The Highland Council, with completion expected during summer 2027.
At Nether Lochaber, six foundation piles have now been installed for the new alignment structure, while earthworks for expanded parking and vehicle marshalling areas continue to make good progress alongside improvements to the A82 junction, which remains open without traffic signals to help minimise delays for motorists.
Rock armour is also being placed along the shoreline to protect against coastal erosion, while dredging operations have resumed and will continue over the coming months as work progresses.
On the Ardgour side of the crossing, contractors have completed the subsea bund that will form the foundation of the new slipway, with sheet piling now underway and much of the new retaining wall already in place alongside completed work on the new substation base and drainage infrastructure.
The marine phase of the project is now far more visible, with barges operating on Loch Linnhe as specialist equipment carries out dredging and construction work both on the water and along the shoreline.
Where possible, material removed during dredging is being reused within the project, reducing waste and limiting the need to import additional construction materials.
Environmental protection has remained a key part of the programme, with specialist Marine Mammal Observers monitoring activity during marine operations, while archaeological investigations carried out before construction began found no historical artefacts that would delay the works.
Noise and vibration continue to be monitored throughout the project, with construction carefully planned around tidal conditions and measures introduced to minimise disruption for nearby communities.
Chair of The Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Ken Gowans, said:
“We are pleased with the strong progress made during the first phase of construction.
“As the project moves further into its marine phase, activity has naturally increased.
“We recognise that this brings greater visibility on site and may cause some disruption for local communities.
“We would like to thank residents and road users for their continued patience and understanding as we deliver these important improvements.
“The principal contractor, Charles Brand Group Ltd, continues to work closely with the Council’s Infrastructure Project Design Unit, and we remain committed to keeping the community informed.
“Monthly Community Liaison Meetings are held at Ardgour Memorial Hall, providing an opportunity for residents to hear updates and ask questions.”
The Corran Ferry is one of the Highlands’ most important transport links, providing a vital connection across Loch Linnhe for residents, businesses and visitors, and the improvements are designed to strengthen the long term resilience of the crossing while supporting communities on both sides of the loch for decades to come.
The Corran Ferry service continues to operate as normal, and timetable details and live traffic webcams of the queues are available on the Council’s dedicated Corran Ferry webpage
