Corran campaigners seeking compromise ahead of break

Corran Narrows campaigners are seeking a compromise after Highland Council sent out an appeal letter in regards to the current situation ahead of the Easter break.

In its correspondence, the council highlighted to locals and visitors that the Corran Ferry is currently operating a reduced service with the smaller vessel the Maid of Glencoul having taken the place of the MV Corran which is still undergoing maintenance work.

From Wednesday March 29, new traffic management measures will be put in place to reduce traffic congestion on the approach routes.

Chairman of the council’s economy and infrastructure committee Councillor Ken Gowans said: “As we expect the demand for the service to increase over the holiday period, we are appealing to locals and visitors to consider if journeys are necessary, planning ahead to avoid peak times where possible and using the alternative routes.”

Traffic management arrangements will include the introduction of temporary 30mph speed limits on the A82 and A861, warning signs, information signs and electronic VMS signs.

Marshals will be managing queuing traffic on both sides of the Corran Narrows.

A temporary barrier system to control safe access to the marshalling area will be in place. These barriers will need to close when the holding area for ferry traffic is full and drivers will have to use an alternative route, or return later if necessary, rather than stop on the live carriageway.

Resident Jeff Forrester, who runs the Corran Narrows Facebook page, has been monitoring reaction to the new “arrangements” and has asked Councillor Gowans, to respond to the following suggestions:

z Peak times 7am - 9am and 4pm - 6pm for residents and business only. This will allow residents to go and come from work.

z Highland Council issue front windscreen identification badges on request as proof of residence. This could be issued by the Corran crew office and marshalling will easily identify vehicles for control.

“I believe this may be a compromise if acted on quickly,” said Mr Forrester.

“We all need to work together until the MV Corran returns to service, however, this needs to be from both sides.”

All updates on the ferry service will be on the Corran Ferry twitter feed @ CorranFerry and on the webpage www.highland.gov.uk/ corranferry.

The return of the MV Corran, left, to the Loch Linnhe crossing has been delayed, while it awaits parts for repair. The older, smaller Maid of Glencoul is currently operating the route.