Highlands and Islands MSP Donald Cameron is putting pressure on the Scottish Government to resolve the future of the Corran Ferry.
In a parliamentary question Mr Cameron has sought a response from ministers to Highland Council’s dilemma about whether it should seek to transfer its responsibilities for the service to Transport Scotland.
Mr Cameron, the Shadow Finance Secretary, said: “The continuing uncertainty about the ferry is unsettling local communities who rely on it, and potentially acting as a disincentive to people seeking to relocate their homes or businesses in the area."
“I am particularly concerned that Highland Council, which currently has responsibility for the ferry, is warning that a decision needs to be made urgently and there is a real possibility of service failure."
“The ferry is a strategically important part of Lochaber’s transport infrastructure and its future cannot just be left to the council which is already under intense financial pressure. It's high time the Scottish Government provided clarity and I will keep up the pressure on ministers until local residents get answers."
Mr Cameron’s question was: “To ask the Scottish Government, with regard to the Corran Narrows ferry service, for its response to Highland Council’s position that councillors need to decide whether to “invest and retain the service in house or transfer responsibilities to Transport Scotland based on the principles set out in the Scottish Ferries Plan.”
The relevant Highland Council paper is available here: https://www.highland.gov.uk/meetings/meeting/4272/lochaber_committee