[Scottish Parliament, 27.11.2024] Responding to today’s announcement on funding for a new ferry for the Corran Narrows Crossing, Highlands and Islands MSP Jamie Halcro Johnston said:
“The previous Conservative government announced significant support for the Corran Narrows crossing, and when I questioned him at Holyrood’s Finance Committee in January of this year, Michael Gove, then Levelling Up Secretary, confirmed with me that there was flexibility in how growth deal support was used.
“He recognised the importance of this busy crossing, and it is an issue I have repeatedly raised in the Scottish Parliament at the highest levelling, highlighting the serious impact disruption to the service has caused local people, businesses and visitors alike.
“Communities across Lochaber, Ardnamurchan, and beyond have faced years of cancellations and restrictions due to the lack of resilience on the Corran Narrows service, with both boats ageing and increasingly unreliable.
“While any new vessel should be welcome, it must meet the needs of the local communities it’s meant to serve. While an electric ferry may meet the climate goals of politicians in Inverness and Edinburgh, will it deliver the capacity needed for local people and businesses?
“And given there is no confirmed timetable for the design and delivery of any new boat – just a “as soon as possible” from Highland Council - how long are local folk supposed to wait with the current, under pressure service, one with resilience provided by the refitted – but nearly 50 years old - MV Maid of Glencoul.
“I am uncertain whether this announcement will be one which will be universally welcomed by those individuals and businesses who rely on the crossing, and I will be pressing both the Highland Council and Scottish Government for more concrete details – including a delivery timetable - for this project”.
ENDS
Notes to Editors
The official announcement states that funding to support the new ferry service will be delivered through the £315 million Inverness and Highland City Region Deal. The Deal includes an investment of up to £135 million from the Scottish Government and up to £53 million from the UK Government.
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