NOTICE: Sunart Community Council in abeyance

Sunart Community Council is in abeyance from 10th Oct 2023 because there were insufficient applicants for the recent community council elections needed to take over from existing members leaving the council service this year. 

It is hoped that the council will be able to reform at the next opportunity for elections to take place in January 2024 providing sufficient numbers of people put themselves forward for election

Corran Ferry – Landside Funding announcement

Please see the link to details regarding the £20m reallocation from within the Inverness & Highland City Region Deal to fund essential landside infrastructure improvements for the Corran Ferry, as part of the UK Government’s Autumn statement.

https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/15717/council_leader_welcomes_chancellor_s_announcement

Corran Ferry Update – 21 November

Corran Ferry Replacement – Infrastructure

The Corran Narrows ground investigation works continues and is scheduled to end around 15 Dec 2023.  

Further public consultation on the new infrastructure will be carried out early 2024.

Maid of Glencoul

The MoG transferred to a temporary mooring on Sunday 19 November (at Trislaig, owned by the Underwater Test Centre (UTC) with the help of the UTC) to make way for the ground investigation works below the MoG’s normal mooring at Ardgour. This is not part of her repair works.

As previously communicated, there is a 10 week lead in time on repair parts which are expected to be delivered in December. Due to the parts delivery timeline and ongoing system solutions by Kongsberg, completion of the work is forecast for early 2024 although every effort is being made to bring this forward as much as possible.

It remains a priority to have the Maid of Glencoul available for service as soon as possible and progress updates will continue.

A861 Rubha Dearg – Camusnagaul Road Surfacing Works – Lochaber

A861 resurfacing works is progressing well with approximately 40-50% of the works complete, full completion should be early December.

The Highland Council apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delivery of these essential works.  Operatives and officers continue to work to minimise disruption wherever possible.

Corran Ferry Update – 13 November

Corran Ferry Replacement – Infrastructure

Work is well underway at the Corran Narrows to establish ground conditions which will help inform the detailed design for new slipways and overnight berthing. The proposed infrastructure will be flexible enough to accommodate the existing MV Corran and provide interchangeability with Roll on Roll Off vessels.

The ground investigation works will have no bearing on the MV Corran ferry service and are scheduled to end around the 15 Dec 2023.  Further public consultation on the new infrastructure will be carried out early 2024.

Small Vessels Replacement Programme (SVRP)

The Highland Council continues to benefit from being part of the Small Vessels Replacement Programme (SVRP) in terms of expertise and economies of scale (i.e., lower costs) in modern ferry design. The General Arrangement drawings and key deliverables for the new Corran ferry design (32 car – fully electric) are in place. In addition, a comprehensive tender specification has been provided that can be used as the key document during the procurement and ship building stage. Naval Architects – naValue are scheduled to carry out a final assessment (mid-December) on board the MV Corran to establish the power performance profile for the service which will inform battery type and weight allowance of the new electric vessels.

Maid of Glencoul

No update from last week – As part of the ground investigation works and borehole works, the Maid of Glencoul will require to move from her current mooring to Corpach for berthing for a temporary period to allow for the programme of works to continue. This is not part of her repair works.

As previously communicated, there is a 10 week lead in time on repair parts which are expected to be delivered in December. Due to the parts delivery timeline and ongoing system solutions by Kongsberg, completion of the work is forecast for early 2024 although every effort is being made to bring this forward as much as possible.

It remains a priority to have the Maid of Glencoul available for service as soon as possible and progress updates will continue.

A861 Rubha Dearg – Camusnagaul Road Surfacing Works – Lochaber

A861 resurfacing works have started to surface unbound passing places and adjacent overlays since Friday 3 November 2023.  The scheme is progressing well. These works will be undertaken under a continuation of the temporary access restrictions advertised. The Highland Council apologise for any inconvenience caused by the delivery of these essential works.  Operatives and officers continue to work to minimise disruption wherever possible.

MV Corran Ferry service resumes – Sunday 29 October

MV Corran has resumed service this afternoon (approx.15:00hrs). The news release below will be issued shortly and the website and social media pages updated.

MV Corran Ferry service resumes – Sunday 29 October

Following the completion of repairs and successful sea trials, the MV Corran ferry has returned to service this afternoon (Sunday 29 October) around 15:00 hrs.

The MV Corran will operate her usual timetable, running seven days a week. For updates and timetable details, please visit the website.

The vessel has been out of service since developing a significant fault with the aft propulsion unit last winter.  Specialist engineers have now completed the necessary component repairs and commissioning. The Highland Council is looking forward to welcoming vehicles and passengers back on board.

The two temporary foot passenger services will stop operating from today as will the shuttle bus service to and from Camusnagaul.

Economy and Infrastructure Committee Chair, Cllr Ken Gowans said: “Due to unprecedented repair challenges, the Corran Ferry main vessel the MV Corran has regrettably been out of service for twelve months and her back-up vessel, the Maid of Glencoul, has also had significant breakdowns during that time since April 2023, and especially latterly since August 2023. Resulting in a foot passenger only service or a lengthy alternative route as the mode of transport to and from the Ardnamurchan Peninsula. 

“Contributory factors to the duration of the MV Corran’s outage from service include lead in time delays in manufacturing the specialist wheel-gear unit and other replacement components from Europe, boatyard availability pressures and augmented annual maintenance repairs commensurate with the vessel age and to some degree the duration she has been out of service.

“In a determined effort to reduce the risk of in-service failures on her return an extensive overhaul of the MV Corran has been undertaken. This includes renewal of the steel plating on both the aft and forward ramps plus a large proportion of the car deck.  New underwater fender skids have also been fitted.

“The Highland Council regrets the reduction to service, the additional journey time and the impact the delay in the MV Corran’s return has caused to the public and businesses. We understand the dismay and deeply regret the circumstances of the outage. 

“We also value the importance of ensuring a reliable service for the sustainability of the Ardnamurchan Peninsula and beyond and continue to work to find solutions and financial funding to provide medium to long term service plans.”

Cllr Gowans added: “The Corran Ferry crew has been exceptional during really challenging times and worked tirelessly to bring the MV Corran back home for service, I would like to thank them for their long standing commitment and dedication.”

Any remaining cars parked at the slipway marshalling areas must be removed as soon as possible to allow vehicle access to the MV Corran.

-Ends-

Kind regards

Corporate Communications and Resilience Team

ROAD SCOTLAND ACT 1984 SECTION 14(1)

TEMPORARY ROAD CLOSURE A861 – RUBHA DEARG – CAMUSNAGAUL

We write to inform you of the forthcoming Temporary Road Closure at the above location.  See attached Schedule and drawings. The length of road to be closed is highlighted in red (Schedule & Map not included with the notice on this site).  

The closure has been requested to provide a safe working area for the Breedon contractors who are carrying out essential surfacing works to the road at the above location. The restrictions will be in place commencing on Thursday 2^nd November 2023 at 09:00 until Wednesday 29^th November at 16:00.

Throughout that period, the use by vehicles of the length of road specified in the Schedule hereto except for use by emergency services will be subject to timed accesses.  Pedestrian access will be maintained.

Timed accesses are provided in the table below:

Road Closed		Road Open
09:00		11:00
11:30		13:30
14:00		16:00

We apologise in advance for any inconvenience caused and thank the local community for their patience whilst this essential work is being carried out.

Regards,

Florence Cargill
Senior Technician
The Highland Council
Carr’s Corner Industrial Estate
Fort William, PH33 7BT
T: 01349 781094
M: 07795 304921
Email: florence.cargill@highland.gov.uk

Corran Ferry – Update from Highland Council 26th Oct 2023

The Maritime and Coastguard Agency (MCA) inspected the MV Corran on Wednesday 25 October and successfully authorised the ‘Passenger Carrying Certificate’ required to resume service.

Following the MCA inspection survey, the MV Corran is now on her return journey home. With an early start and favourable weather conditions she is hoped to be back in Corran late Thursday evening (26 October), fit the ramps at Corpach on Friday morning (27 October), then final preparations for service to resume as soon as possible after that, either on Friday (27 October) or Saturday (28 October).

Subject to the programme above, it is currently planned that MV Corran will resume full service on either Friday 27 October or Saturday 28 October. This will be confirmed and communicated to the public when the final preparations are well under way.

Both the temporary foot passenger services from Corran and Fort William will continue until the MV Corran returns to service.

In preparation for the MV Corran returning to service, please can any cars parked at the slipway marshalling areas be removed by Thursday night (26 October) to allow vehicle access to the MV Corran from Friday 27 October.

For Corran Ferry temporary foot passenger timetables and service updates, please follow the new Corran Ferry Facebook page and the @CorranFerry  Twitter/X page. You can also find information on the Council’s Corran Ferry website.

Corran Ferry – Update from Highland Council 24th Oct 2023

Here is the link to the public news release – https://www.highland.gov.uk/news/article/15643/corran_ferry_repairs_update_%E2%80%93_tuesday_24_october

Corran Ferry Update

The Marine and Coastguard Agency (MCA) inspected the MV Corran yesterday afternoon (Monday 23 Oct) and unfortunately could not issue the ‘Passenger Carrying Certificate’ required to resume service. This was due to a ‘bilge suction’ issue and this issue has since been rectified, a reinspection by MCA surveyors will take place on Wednesday 25 or Thursday 26 October, which is the earliest date the surveyor can be on site, storm Babet having also affected survey work.

Following the MCA inspection there are a few additional stages required before MV Corran can resume service.

They are as follows:

• Following the MCA inspection and certification, allow 2 – 3 days to sail back to Corran, Lochaber.
• 1 day to fit ramps at Corpach.

At time of writing (Tues 24 Oct) and subject to the successful issue of the MCA ‘Passenger Certificate’ the MV Corran is now expected to resume service as soon as possible during week commencing Monday 30 October.

Maid of Glencoul

No change in position since last week.

Passenger Service

The passenger ferry services across the narrows and from Fort William to Ardgour continue to be well used, however experienced some disruption to service due to adverse weather caused by Storm Babet.

Both services will continue until the MV Corran returns to service.

-Ends-

Corran Ferry update

16th Oct 2023

Repairs Update as of 16 Oct for week 09 Oct – 15 Oct 2023:

MV Corran repair timeline remains on target despite slippage due to earlier storms and continuing weather challenges.   Apart from completing some final electrical checks, all dry dock repair works, and painting are now complete (including GKS steering health check which went well).

• After refitting ramps today 16/10/2023, it is planned to relaunch the vessel on Tuesday afternoon 17/10/2023

This will be immediately followed by –

• MCA visit – Passenger Certificate renewal – now scheduled for 23 October due to availability, but this allows time to accommodate essential on-the-water drills in the Isle of Bute area and crew re-familiarisation, etc.  This MCA date may be brought forward by them if possible.
• 2 – 3 days sail back to Corran, Lochaber.
• 1 day to fit ramps. 

With the schedule programmed as above, the timeline for the return to service for the MV Corran is week commencing 23 October.  A weekly update will continue to be issued, and more frequent announcements as appropriate as final preparations continue.

Maid of Glencoul

Engineers are continuing to investigate a steering system issue to enable the Maid of Glencoul to return to service.  That work is underway, however a solution to the technical issue that caused the parts failure remains to be resolved and at time of writing we do not have a date for her return.

In terms of the parts for the Maid of Glencoul repair, we have received word from Kongsberg that they now hope to have parts to us within ten weeks.  In terms of the ongoing solution, they have committed to giving us an indicative timeline asap and we continue online meetings with them to that end.

As soon as we have an indicative date, we will communicate this information to the public. It remains a priority to have both the MV Corran which is due for return week commencing 23 October and the Maid of Glencoul available for service as soon as possible – again weekly updates are being sought.

A861 alternative route

The design of the proposed 40mph speed limit is being taken forward asap.

Passenger Service

The passenger ferry services across the narrows and from Fort William to Ardgour continue to be well used, thankfully with minimal disruption due to adverse weather.

-Ends-

1st Oct 2023

Repairs Update as of today for week ending 24 Sept – 1 Oct 2023:

Highland Council Corporate communications release

MV Corran repair timeline remains on schedule with target date for completion of all dry dock repair works this W/e 8 Oct.

• The yard worked all weekend to replace ramp hinge bushes which required renewing after welding works.  This is ongoing to complete early this week.

• After storm Agnes and severe wet weather, catch up work during good weather is ongoing this week to get the necessary coats of paint onto the car deck, including the new steel sections and ramps.

• Electrical testing and snagging repairs are well underway and ongoing.

• The propeller unit was transferred to Ardmaleish on Tuesday 26 Sept and fitted on Wednesday 27 Sept.  Voith and Wartsila will return on Tuesday 03 October for commissioning of the unit.

• Testing, any snagging works, and returning the vessel to the water as soon as possible will take place this week between the 2 – 9 October.

This will be immediately followed by –

• GKS-Marine (specialists in marine control systems) – steering health check on 10 October.
• MCA visit – Passenger Certificate renewal.
• 1 day sea trial around the Isle of Bute area.
• 2 – 3 days sail back to Corran, Lochaber.
• 1 day to fit ramps.

With the schedule of works programmed as above, the timeline for the return of the MV Corran to service is mid-October. Weekly updates will continue to be issued as the repair work continues.

Maid of Glencoul

Engineers are continuing to investigate a steering system issue to enable the Maid of Glencoul to return to service.  That work is underway, however a solution to the technical issue that caused the parts failure remains to be resolved and at time of writing we do not have a date for her return.

As soon as we have an indicative date, we will communicate this information to the public. It remains a priority to have both the MV Corran which is due for return mid-October and the Maid of Glencoul available for service as soon as possible – again weekly updates are being sought.

A861 alternative route

The design of the proposed 40mph speed limit is being taken forward asap.

Emergency Liaison Group (ELG) including Police Scotland, SFRS, Ambulance, met on Thursday 28 September to plan for the Mull Rally event 13-15 Oct due to the increased road users expected before, during and after the event. Competitors are likely to use the A861 on Wed 11/Thurs 12 and Monday 16 October and will be transporting their rally cars via trailers.

A new release will be issued and a warn and inform social media campaign will be programmed by The Highland Council in the lead up to the event to raise awareness of the increased road users, to plan-ahead and to allow extra journey time.  Police Scotland will liaise with CalMac regarding route availability. Other mitigations that are in place due to the Corran Ferry foot passenger service including free recovery, extended lay-bys, increased signage and reduced speed limits will remain in place. 

Passenger Service

The passenger ferry services across the narrows and from Fort William to Ardgour continue to be well used. 

Images below from the Highland Council Corporate Communications release

Subject: A861 – Proposed Temporary 40mph Speed Limit

28th Sept 2023

See Notice from Highland Council

NOTICE TO PATIENTS – PRATICE UPDATE

As you may be aware, Acharacle Medical Practice and Morvern Medical Practice are in the process of merging.  The date for the digital merge of our clinical systems will take place on Thursday 28^th September whereupon we will collectively be called West Highland Medical Group, incorporating Acharacle, Kilchoan, Morvern and Strontian.

The Doctors have been working across all sites since the beginning of July and this has been working well, so the digital merge is the final part of the process.

Due to the clinical systems being merged there is a requirement for downtime for our IT systems therefore  we will be unable to access patient records from 3.30 pm on Wednesday 27^th September until possibly mid morning on Thursday 28^th September.

We would ask patients to ensure that repeat medications are requested in good time, as we will only be able to issue emergency medication during the hours the clinical system is unavailable.  Likewise only urgent appointments will be available, however, we would like to reassure all patients that our Doctors and staff will all be available as normal for any emergencies and the Practices should be contacted in the usual way.

Should you have any questions regarding the merge please do not hesitate to contact either Practice.

We will keep everyone updated and a further reminder regarding access will be sent nearer to the merge date.

Visitor Levy Bill – consultation

You may already be aware that the Scottish Government has proposed a new law which would allow local authorities The new law would allow local authorities to introduce an additional charge when someone pays for overnight accommodation. Details on this consultation closing 1st Set 2023 can be found here Visitor Levy Bill

Latest Corran Ferry Updated June 23rd 2023 – From Highland Council – Here

Corran Ferry – operations request for planned return to service this weekend 3rd June

As per the latest message on the Corran Ferry Twitter feed – Can anyone parking their car in the ferry queue please remove their car as soon as possible, we are hoping to have the Maid of Glencoul back in service by tomorrow, Saturday the 03 June 2023

WORKS NOTICE – U1313  BELLSGROVE – POLLOCH ROAD

SECTION 14(1) (B) OF THE ROAD TRAFFIC REGULATION ACT 1984,

WORKS NOTICE – U1313  BELLSGROVE – POLLOCH ROAD 

The forthcoming temporary road closure at the above location.  See attached Schedule and drawings. Length of road to be surfaced is highlighted in red. 

The closure has been requested to provide a safe working area for the Highland Council staff who are carrying out inspection works on the bridge at the above location. The restrictions will be in place commencing on Friday 26^th May 2023 between the hours of 15.00hrs and 17.00hrs. No diversion is route is possible as it is a no through road.

Emergency services will be permitted access at all times.   

Corran Ferry – Updated timetable information for Fort William – Ardgour Service – Here

Corran Ferry LUF Bid and Bus timetable 11th May 2023 – Here

Corran Ferry Meeting – Minutes April 2023 – Here

Surface Dressing Programme 2023 – Highland Council Roads UPDATED – Here on this site

Corran Ferry loss of service – Please see latest update Corran Ferry Service update