Corran Ferry Project (Outline Business Case) Update

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Corran Ferry Project (Outline Business Case) Update Agenda Item 13 Report No ECI/34/20 HIGHLAND COUNCIL Committee: Economy and Infrastructure Date: 4 Nov 2020 Report Title: Corran Ferry Project (Outline Business Case) update Report By: Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure and Environment 1. Purpose/Executive Summary 1.1 This report provides Members with an update on the progress of the Corran Ferry Project (Outline Business Case). The project has been established to review the options for securing replacement ferry vessels and for considering the preferred way forward for the future operation and management of the Corran Service. 2. Recommendations 2.1 Members are invited to: i. note that a letter was sent to the Cabinet Minister seeking approval to form a working group with officers from Transport Scotland, regarding the possibility of transferring over responsibility for the Corran ferry service in accordance with the principles set out in the Scottish Ferries Plan. The letter can be found in Appendix 1; ii. note that the Scottish government have advised that they will require confirmation regarding the Council’s plans to fund the capital replacement of the vessels and slipways prior to the setting up of a formal working group to discuss any potential future transfer of responsibility. The responding letter from the Cabinet Minister can be found in Appendix 2; iii. note that the Corran Ferry Project will be included as part of the Council’s Capital Programme Review; iv. agree to support the proposal for the new preferred Vessel and Infrastructure option - 2 x 25 car smaller hybrid vessels straight through (Ro-Ro) operation as detailed in Appendix 3; v. note the Vessel and Infrastructure general arrangements and analysis (including high-level capital costs) – Option A / Option B as detailed in Appendix 4; vi. note the requirement for the project managers secondment to be extended by 2 years (up to May 2023) to facilitate the ongoing discussions / negotiations with Transport Scotland / CMAL and other key stakeholders, and to ensure that links between the Local Community and Officers are maintained. Methods of delivery will be established, the necessary investment in the ferry service will be planned and a start date determined. The secondment will continue to be funded through the Corran Ferry trading account; vii. note that the project will be seeking funding to procure an external source to undertake a detailed report on the critical importance of the ferry to meeting the varied socio-economic needs of the fragile communities served by the Corran Ferry; viii. note A draft terms of reference for the Corran narrows fixed link working group are with relevant ward members for their consideration; and ix. note the information in previous reports – • Corran Narrows Update (Item 7 in background papers); and • Corran Ferry Options Appraisal (Item 20 in background papers). 3. Implications 3.1 Resource - There are potential significant resource implications for the Council depending on the final preferred option, however these will form part of future reports for presentation to the appropriate Council Committee. 3.2 Legal - Relevant legal aspects will be explored appropriately. 3.3 Community (Equality, Poverty and Rural) - The Corran Ferry is a lifeline service with the associated socio-economic implications for the local Community. 3.4 Climate Change / Carbon Clever - Clean energy options will be considered in examining future operations. 3.5 Risk - Increased service sustainability and resilience will reduce the risk to future service provision. 3.6 Gaelic - No implications. 4. The Requirement for 2 smaller vessels 4.1 As part of the ongoing outline business case, the project has reviewed again the Vessel / Infrastructure options (as below) to fully understand what will generate the largest benefits whilst considering each of the options in terms of their affordability. 5. Vessel and Infrastructure Options A / B 5.1 Option A: (Ref 2d - Final STAG Report) Option B: (Ref 2f - Final STAG Report) Previous Preferred Option New Preferred Option • 1 new larger (50 car) hybrid vessel • 2 new smaller (25 car) hybrid vessels straight through (Ro-Ro) straight through (Ro-Ro) • 1 overnight berthing structure (for one • 1 overnight berthing structure (for two vessel) vessels) • 2 new aligning structures / slipways • 2 aligning structures / slipways • Refit / relief / second vessel secured from elsewhere. (CMAL fleet) 5.2 This option would introduce a new constraint With guaranteed vessel availability all year on the route as there would be no round this option will provide the required “immediate” back up vessel resulting in reliability, resilience and sustainability for a ongoing short-term service outages (No lifeline socio-economic dependant service Service) at the Narrows over a 30-year over a 30-year period and should therefore period. (it is highly unlikely that a backup be the preferred option. vessel would be fully operational at the Narrows within 3 days) Two smaller Ro-Ro vessels will enable From a political, economic, social and a faster loading and will result in the service service requirement point of view, periods of running to the published timetable (instead service outage over a 30-year period would of shuttling). be unacceptable and should therefore no longer be in scope for further consideration. The efficiency of new vessels (short/medium term), an anticipated increase in revenue due to the larger capacity of the new vessels and increasing passenger numbers along with a new fares structure will help off-set the costs. 5.3 As agreed, (E&I 01 July 20) The new hybrid vessels will be considered for their contribution to reduced carbon emissions by the Council’s Climate Change Panel. 5.4 The next step in the outline business case will be to undertake cost modelling on the operational costs and income opportunities. 5.5 Highland Council does not have a committed capital programme for replacement vessels / slipways and will look to explore sources of funding for the required capital spending. (45m) 5.6 The findings of the 2-vessel option will be taken back to the Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee seeking approval early next year. 5.7 The Requirement for 2 smaller vessels is detailed in Appendix 3 6. Corran Ferry Project - Engagement and Consultation 6.1 Essential consultation is ongoing with Council Members and Community Groups. Key contacts have been established and several discussions have taken place over the past 2 years between Highland Council and Transport Scotland along with Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) and are set to continue. The Project Manager and Roads Operations Manager have also attended several Argyll, Lochaber, Skye and Small Isles Ferry Stakeholder Group meetings. Internal Stakeholder engagement with the Councils Finance, Legal, Procurement and Corporate Communications teams is also ongoing. 7. Corran Ferry Project - Governance 7.1 A steering group has been established in Fort William to ensure links between the Local Community and Officers are maintained. Everyone has been given the opportunity to engage in the project. Members act as a sounding board and provide support and guidance to the Project Team on any issues critical to project success and the development of the Outline Business Case (OBC). 7.2 Representatives from the following Community Councils - Acharacle, Ardgour, Nether Lochaber, Sunart, West Ardnamurchan and Morvern are invited to attend all Project Steering Group meetings. 7.3 The Head of Roads and Transport Services is Project sponsor and the Project Manager is working closely with the area Roads Operations Manager and the two Ferry Foreman. The Steering Group is part of a larger project governance structure. The Project Manager has reported to Lochaber Committee and Harbours Management Board. The decision-making powers are deferred to the Environment, and Infrastructure Committee. Designation: Executive Chief Officer Infrastructure and Environment (Community Services) Date: 4 Nov 2020 Author: Tracy Urry, Head of Roads and Transport Background papers: Report Item 7 - ECI/9/20 Corran Narrows Update 2020/07/01 Report Hitrans Board Corran Narrows Fixed Link: Outline 2020/04/24 item 9 Feasibility Study Report Item 10 - LA/6/20 Corran Narrows Options Development 2020/02/19 Study - Interim Update Report Item 7 - LA/31/19 Corran Ferry Service Update 2019/11/06 Report Item 7 - LA/17/19 Corran Ferry Service Update 2019/08/29 Report Item 4 - LA/7/19 Corran Ferry Service Update 2019/04/10 Report Item 20 - EDI/80/18 Corran Ferry Service Options Appraisal 2018/11/08 Report Item 11 - LA/19/18 Corran Ferry Service Options Appraisal 2018/08/30 Report Item 8 - LA/23/17 Corran Ferry Update 2017/10/04 Report Item 4 - LA/14/17 Corran Ferry Update 2017/08/22 Report Item 12 - COM/47/16 Corran Ferry Update 2016/11/03 Report Item 11 - COM/8/16 Corran Ferry Update 2016/02/04 Report Item 14 - COM/11/15 Corran Ferry Update 2015/02/05 Report Item 9 - COM/35/14 Corran Ferry - Socio Economic Study 2014/11/06 Report Item 8 - LA/5/14 Corran Ferry - Socio Economic Study 2014/02/27 Report Item 12 - TEC/72/13 Corran Ferry - Review of Ferry Fares 2013/09/19 Appendix 1 Michael Matheson Cabinet Secretary for Transport, Infrastructure and Connectivity Scottish Government (sent via email: [email protected]) 8th September 2020 MD/rm Dear Michael, 1. Purpose Summary 1.1 Highland Council are seeking your approval to form a working group with officers from Transport Scotland regarding the possibility of transferring over responsibility for the Corran ferry service in accordance with the principles set out in the Scottish Ferries Plan. 1.2 A critical decision will need to be made as a delay in making a strategic decision to invest and retain the service in house or transfer responsibilities to Transport Scotland could result in Service failure. 1.3 A timely response would be appreciated by mid-October, so we can report back to our members at our next decision-making committee that a transfer of responsibilities is a viable option to pursue.
Recommended publications
  • Corran Narrows Survey Note
    CORRAN NARROWS SOCIO-ECONOMIC STUDY ageing MV Maid of Glencoul, but also by vehicle capacity issues support you could provide in further advertising or prompting Purpose of this Study which can lead to traffic queuing issues on either side of the Corran residents of your community council area to complete a form. Narrows. There exists, therefore, an urgent requirement in the short/ Stantec has been commissioned by The Highland Council (THC) medium-term to make the case for investment in the replacement Further to this, we would be grateful if your community council and the Highlands and Islands Transport Partnership (HITRANS) to of the vessels and infrastructure to ensure the sustainability of the could formally respond to this study, providing a collective analyse the economic, social and community benefits provided service, until such time as a longer-term fixed link solution can community view on the questions presented in the survey. by the Corran Ferry service. The purpose of this research is to feed potentially be realised. into the business case being developed by THC for new vessels and We would, therefore, like to offer you a four-week period to terminal infrastructure. consider the questions in this form (we can be flexible and work How are we approaching the Study? around community council meeting dates). Ahead of submitting The study is intended to highlight the importance of the ferry to your response, we would be happy to discuss any questions, the communities of Fort William, Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Our approach to the study is two pronged: concerns or points of interest with you over the phone or using MS Moidart, Morar, Morvern, the Isle of Mull and beyond, in part Teams / Skype / Zoom etc.
    [Show full text]
  • Plots at Tom-Na-Moine, Kilchoan.Pub
    MacPhee & Partners Plots at Tom --- Nan --- Moine, Kilchoan, Acharacle, PH36 4LH PRICE GUIDE: £55,000(£55,000(perper plot) • Two Prime Building Plots • Views towards the Surrounding Countryside & The Sound of Mull • Planning Permission in Principle for Detached Properties • Services Available Close to Site • Each Site Around 0.29 Acre MacPhee & Partners Tel: 01397 702200 Airds House Fax: 01397 701777 An Aird www.macphee.co.uk Fort William [email protected] PH33 6BL View from the Plot The sale offers an excellent opportunity to purchase one, or indeed two, building plots which enjoy views towards The Sound of Mull and the surrounding countryside. Each plot benefits from Planning Permission in Principle for a detached house, the individual plots extend to around 0.29 acre (or if interested in the whole site 0.58 acres). Location Kilchoan is a picturesque crofting village on the Ardnamurchan peninsula which is famed for its natural rugged beauty and wildlife. Approximately 60 miles west of Fort William, Kilchoan village has a shop/Post Office, petrol station, primary school, large Community Centre etc. In addition there is a ferry link to Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. The plot’s location on this most attractive area of the Highlands means that they are well -placed to take advantage of the many leisure and pleasure activities which the area has to offer. Planning Permission Planning Permission in Principle was granted on 10th November 2014 (Ref:14/03749/PIP) for the erection of two detached houses. Copies of this Planning Permission and approved plans are available on the Highland Councils website or on request with the selling agent.
    [Show full text]
  • Mullach Na Craobhan Corran Onich by Fort William PH33 6SE
    MacPhee & Partners Mullach Na Craobhan Corran Onich By Fort William PH33 6SE Set in spectacular Highland scenery and enjoying an idyllic elevated position with uninterrupted views over Loch Linnhe to the surrounding hills, Mullach Na Craobhan forms a superior detached villa, surrounded by generous garden grounds. Attractively decorated and in immaculate order throughout, the sale offers an ideal opportunity to acquire a large family home. Due to its size and location the property would also lend itself to a generous guest house or premium self-catering property and benefits from double glazing, an electric central heating system and two impressive multi-fuel stoves. In addition to the property itself, there is an attached double garage for which planning permission has been previously granted, to create integral self contained accommodation as well as the erection of a separate garage/carport/workshop in the grounds. The owner’s have indicated the furniture is available at separate negotiation. The property’s panoramic views of the Ardgour hills and Loch Linnhe produce breath-taking scenery all year round, while the Corran Ferry and active waterway provides interest. The current owners have created a wooden craft studio in the grounds, the French doors and decking boasting spectacular views. Check our website for a video link of the property, views and surrounding area. Mullach Na Craobhan’s setting evokes a real feeling of seclusion, yet is only a short walk or drive to all local amenities, with Fort William some 8 miles north and Ballachulish village 6 miles to the south. Situated on the edge of the popular village of Onich, the property is well placed to take advantage of the numerous leisure and pleasure activities the area has to offer.
    [Show full text]
  • Fort-William-And-Lochaber.Pdf
    Moidart 5 4 Ardnamurchan Sunart 3 2 Morvern Mull The diversity of Lochaber’s landscape is Sunart to the strip of shops and cafés in perfectly illustrated when you leave the Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. mountainous scenery of Glencoe and It’s an island feel that only adds to the Glen Nevis for the lonely and dramatic attraction – there are few places in Britain quarter of Ardgour, Moidart and the more alluring than here and the range of Ardnamurchan Peninsula. wildlife is almost without compare. The Stretching west from Loch Linnhe to oakwoods near Strontian are one of the Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly best places to spot wildlife, as is the tip of the British mainland, this part of stunning coastline and white sandy Lochaber is sparsely populated with its beaches between Portuairk at the south villages linked by a string of mostly end of Sanna Bay and the lighthouse at single-track roads, meaning getting Ardnamurchan Point. anywhere can take a while. The craggy slopes of Ben Hiant offer Being surrounded on three sides by breathtaking views across much of this water gives this region a distinctly island region as well as over to the islands of quality – the most popular way onto the Mull, Rum and Eigg, while a lower but peninsula is by the Corran Ferry over Loch equally impressive vantage point can be Linnhe to Ardgour where five minutes on taken in from the Crofter’s Wood above the water transports you to the much Camusnagaul, a short ferry journey across more peaceful, laid-back pace of the Loch Linnhe from Fort William.
    [Show full text]
  • Ferries and Marine Infrastructure Capability Statement OUR SERVICES CLIENT TESTIMONIAL
    Ferries and Marine Infrastructure Capability Statement OUR SERVICES CLIENT TESTIMONIAL Our business is focused on supporting the public sector, commercial ferry operators and port authorities in the planning, operation and delivery of ferry services and associated infrastructure – key skills include: ‣ appraisal and business case development; ‣ demand and revenue forecasting; ‣ data analytics, including coding and dashboard production; ‣ operator cost analysis; ‣ customer and stakeholder engagement; ‣ ferries policy development; and Stantec is an excellent consultant working ‣ research, particularly in support of demonstrating value for money from public sector investment. to high levels of competence and also to high levels of integrity. They are adaptable to circumstances and will change plans In order to complement our offering, we work with a small team of “and tasks if circumstances require it, often trusted suppliers with which we have developed long-term relationships. without impacts on project costs overall. Supplementary skills available within our supply-chain include: ‣ marine civil engineering, including infrastructure design, consenting, Stantec is committed to achieving the procurement and site supervision; client’s aims even when that requires ‣ ferry operations; constructive challenging of views. If there is one outstanding feature of ‣ harbour operations and management; Stantec, it is their capacity to reach a deep ‣ brokerage and vessel procurement advice; and understanding of the context in which they ‣ marine freight and logistics. are working and therefore their research, analysis and conclusions can be relied upon to fit well with requirements.” Michael Craigie Executive Manager – Transport Planning Shetland Islands Council Our team and a small selection of our relevant experience is presented in this capability statement.
    [Show full text]
  • Macphee & Partners
    MacPhee & Partners Rowanbank Steading & Plot, Lochaline LOT 1: £ 95,000 LOT 2: £ 55,000 LOT 3: £ 150,000 Two Individual Prime Building Plots Exceptional Views to the Isle of Mull Rural Location Planning Permission in Principle Services available for Connection Close by MacPhee & Partners Airds House Tel: 01397 702200 An Aird Fax: 01397 701777 Fort William www.macphee.co.uk PH33 6BL [email protected] Situated within the West Coast community of Lochaline on the picturesque Morvern Peninsula, the sale of Rowanbank Steading and plot offers a rare opportunity to acquire two individual building plots which offer stunning views over the surrounding countryside to the Isle of Mull. The subjects of sale both benefit from Planning Permission in Principle. Location The Morvern Peninsula is an area of spectacular scenery, famous for it's forrest and wildlife, and offers many outdoor pursuits. Lochaline is a rural coastal village, within easy daily travel distance of Fort William by car and a daily ferry ser- vice, making an easy commute to the historic Isle of Mull, home to Isles of Iona and Staffa, as well as the popular To- bermory. Lochaline itself has a village with a shop, post office, hotel, restaurant, health centre and primary school, while secondary schools are available in both Strontian and Tobermory. Further facilities and amenities are available in Mull, Strontian, Fort William and Oban. The construction of the new pontoon in Lochaline is of great benefit for boating enthu- siast, allowing boats to berth safely and give access to the shore. Services It will be the purchaser’s responsibility to connect to the services.
    [Show full text]
  • Ardnamurchan Glen Coe, Glen Etive, Rannoch Moor and Glen Orchy
    There are some wonderful scenic drives in the area, there are often minor side roads that you can explore too. Ardnamurchan Six miles to the north on the road to Fort William is the Corran Ferry which takes you over Loch Linnhe and from there you can reach the Ardnamurchan Peninsular. Take the whole day to explore this area and visit Ardnamurchan Point, the most westerly tip of mainland Britain. There are plenty of stopping places along the way. Strontian (take a walk through the Ariundle Atlantic Oak Woods). Salen (where the Vikings landed). Glenmore and the Ardnamurchan Natural History Centre. Sanna Bay with fantastic white sands and crystal clear water and Kilchoan where you could take a ferry to colourful Tobermory on the Isle of Mull. At Salen instead of turning left to the Ardnamurchan Point carry straight on and discover Castle Tioram which is one of our favourite places. You could also pay a visit to Kentra Bay and Ardtoe. If you are feeling energetic there is a 3 mile walk (and 3 miles back) from Acharacle, along a forest path to the Singing Sands. Instead of returning to the Corran ferry you can continue on the A861 and drive through Moidart and past Loch Ailort. If time allows on reaching the A830 drive up to Mallaig or turn right heading back to Fort William. On this route you drive past Glenfinnan where you can see the Bonnie Price Charlie monument. Also the viaduct made even more famous by that flying car from Harry Potter. Glen Coe, Glen Etive, Rannoch Moor and Glen Orchy Not to be missed is the spectacular drive through Glen Coe, amazing whatever the weather.
    [Show full text]
  • The Grand Caledonian Tour Ferry Information
    THE GRAND CALEDONIAN TOUR FERRY INFORMATION Ferries will be used on days 3, 5, 7 & 8. Timetables, fares and other information regarding ferry services are given on the next few pages. Please read very carefully. Please note the times of the ferries and plan your journey accordingly. Please note also that it will be necessary to book some of the crossings in advance. Durness 10. The Whole North Coast, Dunnet Head and John o’Groats 9. The Far Northwest Wick 11. The North Sea to Loch Ness Gairloch EAST – Buchan Ness 8. Skye, Lochalsh, The Portree Bealach and Inverness Torridon Ferry No. 6 7. Glenelg Ferry Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morar 13. Whisky Country and the Buchan Coast and Skye Ferry No. 5 Calmac Ferry No. 4 Mallaig - Armadale Calmac Tobermory - Kilchoan Westhill, Ferry No. 2 Aberdeen Highland Council Corran Ferry 14. Strathdon, Royal Tobermory Deeside and Glenshee 5. Appin, Morven and Mull Oban Ferry No. 3 Calmac Inveraray Lochaline - Fishnish Perth Day Key Miles 1 127 15. The Kingdom of Fife and The Ochils 2 140 3 188 Ferry No. 1 4 221 Western Ferries Gourock – Hunters Quay 5 106 Finish – N. Free day 4. Entire Queensferry 6 Kintyre 7 150 Start – Edinburgh 8 154 9 144 10 120 1. East Lothian and 11 190 the Borders 3. Galloway, the 12 Free Day Ayrshire Coast and Moffat Cowal 13 173 14 126 2. Dumfries-shire 15 136 and Portpatrick Galloway Total 2015 The Grand Caledonian Tour Location of Ferries Western Ferries (Clyde) Limited Crossing Gourock – Hunters Quay 30 minutes DEPARTING McInroy's Point (Gourock) Ferry No.
    [Show full text]
  • FOI-202000031352 Annex B
    Description Total Road A82 South of Signal Rock Resurfacing Redacted 10(5)(e) A82 A82 Glencoe Village to South Ballacullish Resurfacing A82 A82 Ballacullish 50's Resurfacing A82 A82 South of Loch Achtriochtan Resurfacing A82 A82 Inverlochy Castle A82 A82 Lochybridge to Carrs Corner A82 A82 North & South of Ballachulish Bridge A82 A82 Corran to Druimarbin A82 A82 Fort William Phase 2 A82 A82 South of Fort William A82 A82 North Road Fort William (HD28) A82 A82 Corpach Roundabout (HD28) A82 A82 Fort William TC Rbt (HD28) A82 A82 Loch Linnhe Picnic Area (HD28 2017) A82 A828 Sutherlands Grove (HD28 2017) A82 A82 North Ballachullish HD28 Resurfacing A82 A82 Nth of Ballachullish Petrol Stn HD28 A82 A82 Pass of Glencoe HD28 A82 A82 An Torr Urgent Resurfacing A82 A82 Kinlochleven Jct Hand Patching A82 A82 Fort William Primary Hand Patching A82 A82 North of Corran Ferry C/way Haunching A82 A82 Glencoe Village Hand Patching A82 A82 Campfield Hand Patching A82 A82 Esso Garage Hand Patching A82 A82 Ben Nevis Rbt Hand Patching A82 A82 Ballachulish Rbt - Hand Patching A82 A82 North of Glencoe Ski Centre Hand Patching A82 A82 Corrychurran C/way Hauching A82 A82 Signal Rock Hand Pactching A82 A82 Ben Nevis Distillery Hand Patching A82 A82 South of Glencoe Layby Carriageway Hand Patching A82 A82 Druimarbin Campfield Machine Patching A82 A82 South of Campfield Hand Patching A82 A82 Loch Linnhe Picnic Park Hand Patching A82 A82 Heron Bay Hand Patching A82 A82 3 Mile Water Hand Patching A82 A82 North of Campfield Hand Patching A82 A82 North of South African
    [Show full text]
  • Corran Ferry – Socio Economic Study on Ferry Fares
    The Highland Council Agenda Item 8 Lochaber Area Committee Report LA 27 February 2014 No 5/14 Corran Ferry – Socio Economic Study on Ferry Fares Report by Director of Community Services Summary This draft socio-economic study in Booklet A, prepared by AECOM, consultants, was considered by the Transport, Environmental and Community Services (TECS) Committee on 6 February 2014 and has now been issued for consultation. As part of the consultation Lochaber Area Committee are asked to consider the contents of this report and advise on any comments they may have on the study such that these may be presented to the next available Community Services Committee to allow the Council to set a strategy for future fare increases at Corran Ferry. 1. Background 1.1 The Corran Ferry is located in west Lochaber and serves Ardgour, Morvern and the Ardnamurchan peninsula. It is the second busiest ferry in Scotland with around 290,000 vehicle trips per year. 1.2 The Council operates 2 ferries at Corran narrow, the MV “Corran”, the principal vessel, and the MV “Maid of Glencoul” the reserve vessel. 1.3 There are a number of running costs required to keep the ferry service operational, including, but not limited to: Staffing Fuel Engine Repairs & Maintenance Annual refits Insurance 1.4 Over the past 10 years there have been some extraordinary rises in individual costs, such as fuel, which has risen by over 300%. This has resulted in an average 5.3% increase per annum on the total costs of running the Corran Ferry since 2002/03.
    [Show full text]
  • Corran Ferry
    The Highland Council Agenda 9 Item Community Services Committee Report COM 6 November 2014 No 35/14 Corran Ferry Report by Director of Community Services Summary This report updates Members on feedback received from Community Councils and Argyll & Bute Council regarding the socio-economic study undertaken for Corran Ferry. It also asks the Committee to recognise the local inflationary costs associated with Corran Ferry and the need for the service to be run in such a way that it covers its costs. 1. Background 1.1 The Corran Ferry is located in west Lochaber and serves Ardgour, Morvern and the Ardnamurchan peninsula. It is the second busiest ferry in Scotland with over 250,000 vehicle trips per year. 1.2 In September 2013, the TECS Committee approved a 30 pence tickets price increase from November 2013 in addition to the usual 4% inflationary increase already implemented in April 2013. 1.3 These increases were in response to extraordinary rises in individual costs, such as fuel, which have resulted in an average 5.3% increase per annum on the total costs of running the Corran Ferry since 2004/05. 1.4 Concerns were raised over the impact the recent fare increases could have on the peninsula with direct costs to the local community, tourists and commercial operators. In order to understand the potential impacts, the Committee requested that a socio-economic study be undertaken. 1.5 AECOM were commissioned to undertake the study and this was completed in January 2014 (see Appendix A). The main aims of the study were to: • produce a socio economic profile of the main area served by the Corran Ferry; • assess the role of the current fare levels; and • assess the socio-economic impacts of further fare increases.
    [Show full text]
  • Mileposts of Morvern
    The Mileposts of Morvern Paula Martin Approaching Morvern from the Corran Ferry, one starts along the Parliamentary Road to Kinlochmoidart, built during the first two decades of the 19th century. Along it can be seen several granite milestones. One just before the turning at Inversanda says Strontian 8, Corran Ferry 7. Another before the turning left to Lochaline at the head of Loch Sunart, says Strontian 2, Corran 13. The road via Kingairloch was half a mile shorter, and seems originally to have been the main road to Lochaline from the Fort William or Oban direction, but the modern main road, running from the other end of Glen Tarbert, is wider, and may well by now have lost that extra half mile through realignments. Both roads have some survivors of a set of cast-iron mileposts (Tables 1 and 2). The posts are of a simple design, with no maker's name or date. They have two arms, angled to face the approaching traveller, each with one place-name and the distance to it. After the two roads join, between 12 and 11 miles from Lochaline, the set continues (Table 3). After Lochaline the series continues to near the end of the public road (Table 4). One side still measures the distance from Corran, but the other arm gives the distance to Bonnavoulin (meaning, at the time they were erected, the post office above the pier at what we now call Drimnin). A set of a different design can be found on the old road from Drimnin to Doirlinn (Table 5).
    [Show full text]