MoD asked for help to provide lifeline Corran Ferry service

The MV Corran left for dry dock at the end of October last year

The Ministry of Defence is being asked to help provide a replacement ferry service for a lifeline route in the Highlands.

Both the main Corran Ferry vessel and a relief boat are out of action for repairs, likely to take several weeks.

SNP MP Ian Blackford said "agreement in principle" had been reached for military help on the route, which is operated by Highland Council.

He said he hoped the service could now be restored "in the coming days".

Mr Blackford said Highland Council made a request for help to the MoD, with the assistance of the Scottish government.

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The Ross, Skye and Lochaber MP said some of the paperwork still had to be finalised, but that he was hopeful that a suitable vessel would soon be provided.

He told BBC News: "Having had conversations with Highland Council, I approached the defence secretary to see what assistance we could get. We know that other people were offering help but not to the extent that we could have deliverable services.

"I'm glad over the course of the week that we've been able to make a formal request from Highland Council with the assistance of the Scottish government that are underpinning all of this to ask the Ministry of Defence to do what they can do to get a vessel up to the Corran narrows so that we can get a service going."

The route between the Ardnamurchan peninsula and Corran provides direct road access to Fort William.

It is the busiest single-vessel ferry route in Scotland and carries more than 270,000 cars each year.

A reduced service has been in operation since January while repair work is carried out on the main ferry MV Corran.

However, the relief vessel, the Maid of Glencoul, broke down on 7 April and Highland Council warned there could be no vehicle service for several weeks.

Drivers are facing a 42-mile diversion, with some businesses warning they could close unless a solution is found.

People living in Fort William, Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morar, Morvern and the Isle of Mull, as well as tourists, are among those who regularly use the ferry.

Highland Council owns, funds and operates the Corran Ferry service.

Scottish Transport Minister Kevin Stewart said: "The Highland Council has made contact with the Scottish government regarding military support.

"The Scottish government will liaise with the Highland Council to consider how this is taken forward.

"There is a structured process to follow for military assistance and any final decision will be for MoD."

Highland Council has said repairs to the main vessel MV Corran are ahead of schedule but it could be several weeks before the service is restored.

Journeys take roughly six minutes across the Corran Narrows and a temporary foot passenger-only service has been announced.

A catamaran which can take up to 65 passengers will make two return trips daily.