Mail Online

Locals urged not to use lifeline ferry... to make room for camper vans!

By Piriyanga Thirunimalan

IT is a lifeline for residents in remote communities, allowing them to work, shop and attend vital health appointments.

But now council chiefs have asked people not to use the Corran Ferry unless the journey is ‘essential’ so that it can cope with Easter tourism demands.

The ferry route, which crosses Loch Linnhe at the Corran Narrows, south of Fort William,

Inverness-shire, serves communities across Lochaber and the Isle of Mull.

But the main vessel, MV Corran, has been out of action since January, and the smaller MV Maid of Glencoul operates a reduced service. As the Easter school holidays approach, and with it greater numbers of camper vans, ferry operator Highland Council has posted a notice on its website saying the ferry should be used ‘only for essential journeys’ and urging people to use ‘alternative routes where possible’.

Alternative routes could see drivers faced with diversions of around 40 miles by road.

Ken Gowans, chairman of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee, said: ‘Until the MV Corran is back in service we are operating on reduced capacity.

‘As we expect the demand for the service to increase over the holiday period, we are appealing to locals and visitors to help support the ferry service and crew by considering if journeys are necessary, planning ahead to avoid peak times where possible and using the alternative routes.’

He added: ‘From Wednesday 29 March, enhanced traffic manage‘Do ment will be in place and marshals will be managing queuing traffic on both sides of the Corran Narrows.’

Kate Willis, the council’s Lochaber area chairman, said: ‘The reduced ferry service is going to have an impact on locals and anyone visiting the area, so we are appealing for everyone to do what they can to help prevent the build-up of traffic as the Easter period approaches.’

The council will be putting in place traffic management arrangements including temporary speed limits on the A82 and A861 and warning signs.

Some locals reacted angrily to the news on social media, arguing that they should be given priority over visitors. One Facebook user wrote: Highland Council think that we use the ferry just for the fun of it? The idea that our journeys are unnecessary shows just how much appreciation they have of residents’ needs.’

Erynn Nicol wrote: ‘Surely the locals should take priority and the tourists can find “alternative” routes, or perhaps a booking system should be put in place?

‘Locals rely on the ferry to get to work etc, so asking them not to travel so visitors can take priority isn’t really acceptable.

‘The motor homes are travelling for leisure and could easily use a different, less direct route.’

And Keith Laidlaw commented: ‘Unbelievable. Infrastructure is not fit for purpose. So dear “locals”, please don’t travel. That means work, shopping, health visits, Totally unbelievable.’

The Corran Ferry is the busiest single-vessel ferry route in Scotland and carries more than 270,000 cars each year.

‘Infrastructure isn’t fit for purpose’

Littlejohn

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2023-03-24T07:00:00.0000000Z

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https://mailonline.pressreader.com/article/281818583079200

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