Corran ferry webcam plan continues to await decision
A proposal to install traffic monitoring webcams at the Corran ferry slipways to allow motorists to better plan their journeys is awaiting a decision from the Ardgour Community and Highland councils, writes Jamie Wills.
Although no vehicle ferries have been running between North Corran and Nether Lochaber since the MV Maid of Glencoul broke down on Friday April 7, the boat is expected back on Monday June 5.
Traffic build-up had been an issue during the Maid of Glencoul’s operation as it is a smaller replacement vessel for the MV Corran, which has been out of service since October 2022.
The installation of cameras to monitor queues would allow drivers to judge whether they should use the ferry crossing across Loch Linnhe or drive the 42 miles around the waters.
The idea of erecting webcams was first aired by Mary Ann Kennedy on Facebook on Friday March 24. Mrs Kennedy submitted a costed proposal to Ardgour Community Council, which was raised at the council meeting on Thursday April 13.
Mrs Kennedy’s proposal costed the first year at £2,012, including installation, with subsequent years priced at approximately £500.
In response, Community
Ardgour Council wished to approach other community councils for financial support on the project, but noted Highland Council was currently unwilling to provide funding. However, a possible meeting between council officials and public supporters of the project is believed to be under consideration, although no official confirmation regarding such discussions has been made. In her original posting, Mrs Kennedy wrote the idea of allowing drivers to monitor queues and adapt plans would be a “small but effective mitigation in the impending chaos”, and that the action should have been done a long time ago.
The idea, Mrs Kennedy said, was to be proactive about the on-going Corran ferry troubles as the community had become disenfranchised.
Of the progress, she said: “It is frustratingly slow, which I predicted.
“But I take heart from the fact that a direct meeting with the council could see actual progress.”
A spokesperson for Highland Council, however, said the return of the ferry service remained its sole focus.
“We are fully focused on getting the Maid of Glencoul back in service and we will engage with the community on taking this idea forward in the coming weeks,” he said.