The Highland Council has issued a repairs update on the MV Corran, including a new return to service date.
The troubled vehicle ferry is scheduled to return to crossing Loch Linnhe during the week beginning Monday October 23, a full year after it was removed from the route after faults were found during an annual overhaul.
Sea trials and transportation home are planned for the preceding week.
The full timetable for the return is stated as:
October 10: steering health check
October 16: MCA visit – passenger certificate renewal
One day sea trial around the Isle of Bute area
Two to three days sail back to Corran, Lochaber, weather dependent
One day to fit ramps on arrival in Corran
Week commencing October 23: Return to service
Chairman of the Highland Council’s Economy and Infrastructure Committee Councillor Ken Gowans said: “MV Corran is in her final phase of dry dock repairs and, despite weather challenges and interruptions caused by Storm Agnes, every effort is ongoing to get her back in service as soon as possible.
“I would like to thank the public for their continued patience and understanding during this lengthy and difficult repair outage and extend my gratitude to the crew and specialist contractors that continue to work tirelessly to complete the repair work to allow the return of the MV Corran to service.
“Once the MV Corran sea trials and MCA certification inspections are complete, the service return date will be communicated to the community and the general public.”
The 23-year-old MV Corran was removed from service in October 2022 after faults were found during an annual overhaul. Numerous return dates for the ferry were set, and missed, as further repair issues arose. The boat was expected back in April, June and August.
In its absence, the smaller, 48-year-old MV Maid of Glencoul was tasked with running a vehicle service across the Corran Narrows.
However, the Maid has suffered several technical issues since it took over. It has been out of service since August, leaving only a temporary foot passenger service crossing at the Corran Narrows.
In August, six community councils joined to form the Corran Action Group to push for a permanent solution to the problems at the crossing.