Council begins procurement process for new electric Corran Ferry

Highland Council has begun the procurement process to secure a new multi-million-pound electric ferry to navigate the Corran Narrows.

The Corran Ferry service is one of Scotland's busiest single-vessel crossings, but is currently served by ageing boats.

The current ferry, the MV Corran, is 25 years old and has suffered a number of breakdowns in recent years.

Highland Council hopes to award the contract for the new electric vessel in March next year, with the replacement anticipated to enter service in early 2029.

Improvement works are currently being carried out on either side of the crossing between Ardgour and Nether Lochaber as part of a £58m commitment under the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal.

The Scottish government has granted £28m to the project for the procurement of the ferry, with the UK government contributing £20m towards shoreside infrastructure improvements.

Highland Council said the investment would help protect the long-term future and resilience of the crossing.

Ken Gowans, chairman of Highland Council's economy and infrastructure committee, said reaching the procurement stage was a "significant milestone".

Once the new vessel has become operational, the MV Corran will remain as a relief vessel.

The existing backup ferry, the 51-year-old Maid of Glencoul, will then finally be retired.

The total cost of the new electric ferry will not be known until the tender process has concluded.

Scottish government transport secretary Stephen Flynn said it was committed to ensuring communities had the infrastructure they needed to thrive.

"These projects highlight the value of partnership working between the Scottish government and City-Region Deal partners to strengthen connectivity, drive economic growth and build more resilient communities across the Highlands," he said.