First Corran Ferry foot passenger fare to be introduced

The introduction of the first foot passenger fare on the Corran Ferry is to go ahead after a group of councillors delayed its introduction.

The five-minute, Highland Council-run crossing links the wider Lochaber area with communities in the Ardnamurchan peninsula.

The local authority's economy and infrastructure committee agreed to a £2 charge last month, but its implementation was paused to allow for a further debate on the fare.

Councillors attending a special meeting of the full council voted 34 to 27 in favour of the fee.

The group of councillors had raised concerns about an impact on residents and businesses.

Andrew Baxter, Liberal Democrat councillor for Fort William and Ardnamurchan, led calls for a debate at a meeting of the full council.

The fare would only apply to passengers aged 23 to 60 years old.

It would include cyclists, although there would be no extra charge for the bicycle.

The alternative journey by road around Loch Linnhe takes about two hours.

Highland Council describes the Corran Ferry as Europe's busiest single-vessel car ferry.

It carries about 10,000 foot passengers, 270,000 cars and 11,000 commercial vehicles a year.

Highland Council said a £2 charge could generate £20,516 a year.

Councillors agreed to a 10% increase on vehicle fares in March, but left a decision on foot passengers to the economy and infrastructure committee.