Councillors claim lack of ferry consultation
Rises in the cost of living, including the recent increase in Corran Ferry fares, are endangering the survival of small rural communities such as Acharacle.
That was the view of Joanne Matheson and other members of Acharacle Community Council (ACC), who are furious over the decision by Highland Council to hike up ferry fares by three per cent with what they claim was virtually no consultation with community councils.
Chairman of ACC David Ogg said although Highland Council has repeatedly stated its desire to work more closely with communities, there was a failure to do so in this instance.
‘Here we have a perfect opportunity for them to have discussed the issue with all of the relevant community councils and they failed to do so,’ claimed Mr Ogg.
At a recent meeting, the community council agreed a statement, which has since been sent to the chief executive of the local authority, expressing ‘dismay’ over the fares increase and the alleged lack of consultation.
The councillors acknowledged the support of the area’s Highland councillors Andrew Baxter and Niall McLean in opposing the increase. ACC said it understood the budgetary pressure faced by Highland Council, but said it was disappointed the local authority ‘chose not to engage with Lochaber community councils in any way at all’ over the issue and believed Highland Council had ‘behaved shamefully’.
‘We understand the current budget pressures, but people would have been a lot less angry about the completely unexpected imposition of these fare increases if Highland Council had discussed the issue with community councils beforehand,’ said the community council.
The plan to include a three per cent increase in ferry fares for the next three years only came to light shortly before Highland councillors agreed the 2019/20 budget.
Ms Matheson added: ‘Highland Council has identified the Corran Ferry as a lifeline service, which means it acknowledges it is essential for those of us living nearby.
‘It is unacceptable it continues to increase the cost of living in this particular community, when it knows perfectly well the increasing cost of living in small remote communities is endangering their survival.’
Mr Ogg concluded: ‘I’ve been involved with all sorts of discussions about the future of the Corran Ferry over recent years and have no doubt those discussions will continue for some time to come.
‘I am incredibly disappointed that Highland Council has failed to follow through with its stated aim of increasing community consultation.
‘It appears to be paying lip-service to local democracy and is showing no signs of being willing to engage in proper discussions.’