Corran ferry introduces £2 passenger fee for first time

Corran ferry foot passengers are to be charged for the first time.

A £2 charge has been agreed by Highland councillors, who voted 9-8 in favour of the fee at a meeting in Inverness.

The Corran Narrows crossing, between the A82 and A861 in Lochaber, links the communities of Fort William, Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morar, Morvern and the Isle of Mull.

The Corran ferry service, is the busiest single vessel operated route in Scotland, carrying more than 270,000 cars and over 10,000 foot passengers each year.

The five-minute ferry journey is operated by the council seven days a week.

The new charge is expected to raise more than £20,000 a year for the local authority.

Some opposition councillors argued that it would have a seriously negative impact on the local economy.

Fort William and Ardnamurchan Liberal Democrat councillor Andrew Baxter shared that a local pub owner told him the new £2 charge could slash his income by 30%, forcing him to lay off two staff members who live on the peninsula, where jobs are hard to come by.

He attempted to halt the process but was defeated in a committee vote.

Mr Baxter told colleagues: “He said, in essence, you are putting an extra £4 on a pint of beer in my pub, for those that he relies on travelling from one side of the narrows to the other.”

He also claimed the policy was steeped in confusion.

“A few years ago we were told it would raise tens of thousands of pounds, with a £1 charge,” Mr Baxter said.

“Back in March we were told it would raise just £5,000. I am concerned that there is no recognition of what the reality is.

“In 2019, I was told by officers £100,000 a year. Earlier this month I was told ‘we didn’t know.'”

Economy and Infrastructure Committee chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “The Council recognises the importance of the Corran Ferry service and the flexibility that a frequent, short crossing offers both the local community and visitors to the Highlands.

“The foot passenger fare agreed today will contribute to the sustainability of this vital transport link and will bring the Corran Ferry in line with other passenger services.

“To enhance the service and following feedback from the local community, seasonal onshore marshals are in place this year to manage traffic safety during the summer months.”

Finance secretary Shona Robison last year pledged that the Scottish Government would enable the council to use up to £28m of its funding through the Inverness and Highland city-region deal to deliver a new electric Corran ferry.

The new charge will not include senior citizens, 16 to 22-year-olds, the under-15s or disabled passengers.