MV Corran ferry returns after a year out of service

The MV Corran is the main vessel on the Highland Council-run service

The main vessel for the Highland's Corran ferry crossing has returned to service after a year out of action.

The MV Corran was withdrawn for maintenance last October but this work was hampered by delays. A replacement vessel also had a number of breakdowns.

It acts as lifeline service, connecting the communities of Fort William, Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morar, Morvern and the Isle of Mull.

The lack of car ferry on the crossing meant a detour of 42 miles for drivers.

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

Highland Council said it "deeply regrets" the impact of the delays.

The two temporary foot passenger services in place on the route have stopped operating. A shuttle bus service to and from Camusnagaul has also ceased.

Councillor Ken Gowans, chairman of Highland Council's economy and infrastructure committee, said delays in sourcing parts and specialist manufacturing work in Europe added to the year-long wait in getting the MV Corran back into service.

He said: "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.

"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."