Welcome parade as riders arrive in Fort William

Calls for compensation are growing after the failure of the Corran Ferry across Loch Linnhe, as one Ardgour hotel owner, whose takings fell by more than 50 per cent, says local businesses have been “abandoned".

The repairs to the main ferry MV Corran are expected to be completed by early June, the operator, Highland Council, told a “robust and constructive” online meeting with representatives of the six community councils from the Ardnamurchan peninsula and Nether Lochaber on Thursday April 27. Setting their own agenda, Ardgour, Morvern, Acharacle, West Ardnamurchan, Sunart and Nether Lochaber community councils, said: “We want to avoid a repeat of the previous steering group when our agenda was completely ignored and our suggestions rejected.”

They requested details on a possible replacement vehicle ferry from the Ministry of Defence (MoD), the causes of the MV Corran’s overhaul delays, and the return dates for it and the back-up ferry MV Maid of Glencoul.

They also wanted to ask if Highland Council can buy an interim second-hand ferry, “as this situation will recur over the next four to seven years”, until two new electric ferries or a fixed link (a bridge or a tunnel) are delivered, subject to funding. The council has hired replacement passenger ferries

Afterwards, a Highland Council spokesperson said it is putting in place a shuttle bus service to coincide with its temporary passenger ferry services: “A shortage of drivers has delayed implementation, but it is hoped that a combined bus/ferry timetable will be published in the first week of May,” the spokesperson said.

“The council is aiming for a service between 0750 and approximately 1730, timed to connect via the Corran Ferry with Kinlochleven – Fort William buses, as well as some sailings at Camusnagaul.

“Consideration is also being given to additional minibus journeys between Fort William and Nether Lochaber. Additional sailings are already in place between Fort William and Camusnagaul. The community councils also expressed in the strongest terms the significant detrimental socio-economic impact caused by the ongoing absence of a vessel capable of taking vehicles across the loch, affecting tourism businesses in particular.

“Whilst sympathetic to the severity of these impacts, the council’s chief executive reiterated the position expressed previously that there is no compensation route available either through the council or the Scottish Government.

“The community representatives urged the council to consider all possible avenues for financial assistance to be explored. It was agreed that the council would assist with media communications that the peninsula remains open to business with alternative road routes being advertised.”

One business owner in Acharacle said: “Having failed our communities monumentally for over 20 years, Highland Council should now be moving heaven and earth to find a way to provide a reliable and sustainable service immediately. I ask again – where, when and how do I obtain compensation to keep my business going?”

Luke Alexander, owner of The Inn at Ardgour, said: “We are experiencing less room cancellations than anticipated, but still running at 50 per cent (not the 70 per cent as first feared) of our bedrooms being cancelled.

“The loss in evening trade has been as bad as expected, with the drop being in the region of 50 to 60 per cent. The passenger ferry has brought some trade over, but nowhere near at the normal level. We are averaging 20 meals per night in the bar and restaurant instead of the 44 before the ferry went off.

“As feared, it looks as if we will be abandoned to our fate. Highland Council and the Scottish Government don’t care about anyone outside of their own backyard.

“All the while, the

West

Highlands struggle to cope with the lack of investment in infrastructure that is so badly needed. The area is busier and busier with tourists, but lack of investment can only hinder the growth. The pathetic excuses not to offer businesses and people any financial assistance shows very clearly the lack of care. Still our transport minister has not come to speak to us or see for himself.

“So, how am I you ask? How would the transport minister feel if infrastructure failings caused by lack of forethought and investment led to him having to add one hour and 30 minutes to his daily commute, or led to many businesses in his hometown seeing their turnover fall by 50 per cent or more, or if he had seen the same lack of investment hinder his livelihood for 20 years?”

The MoD’s assessment team visited on April 18 and submitted a report detailing options for a replacement vehicle ferry.

Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch MSP Kate Forbes (SNP) told a constituent last week: “The MoD had been up conducting trials over the Corran Narrows, but given the silence since then I assume the craft was unsuitable or issues have arisen.”