£30m project to revamp Corran Ferry ahead of new electric vessel

Plans have been unveiled to residents in Lochaber for improvements to infrastructure for the Corran Ferry in preparation for the new electric vessel set to replace aging ferries currently servicing the route.

But there is disappointment that improvements to the marshalling area on the Ardgour side have been omitted from the £30m project, which locals say is a safety concern.

Highland Council have held two public consultation meetings this week in Fort William and Ardgour to get public input into their plans for the new infrastructure at Corran ferry before they go for full planning permission.

The £30m project proposes moving the slipway on the Lochaber side further north and creating a new marshalling area and safer access to and from the A82.

On the Ardgour side, they want to move the pier, also further north, and create berthing and electrical charging facilities for the new ferry when it arrives.

However, there are currently no plans to alter the current car marshalling area for vehicles, which is a safety concern amongst local people.

Although replacement ferries are the option that Highland Council are pursuing, HITrans have just released updated figures for costs for a fixed link, which comes in not much more than the cost of the ferry option at £30m for infrastructure and £20m for a ferry.

A Highland Council spokesperson said: “Following the pre application consultation event held earlier this week (w/c June 17 2024), the Council will consider what localised improvements can be carried out to address any safety concerns with the existing marshalling on the Ardgour side as part of the current proposals.

“It remains a goal to also extend the Ardgour marshalling area in Phase 2 of the project. However, this is not included within the funding of the current proposed works package.”