Army could be called in to rescue stranded Highland communities amid Corran Ferry crisis

The Ministry of Defence has been asked to come to the aid of Highland communities, which have been left stranded for weeks amid the ongoing ferry crisis.

MP for Ross, Skye and Lochaber Ian Blackford has urged military chiefs to provide a “short-term solution” for rural residents left isolated while the Corran Ferry is out of action.

The route’s main vessel, MV Corran, was pulled away to dry dock due to mechanical issues and the relief vessel, the Maid of Glencoul, then broke down last Friday.

Highland Council confirmed on Wednesday that both vessels are unlikely to go back into operation for another six to eight weeks, but have received support from CalMac with spare parts to get them moving again quicker.

The period without services has caused worry and anger among locals, who rely on ferry services on a daily basis and have now been forced to take hour-long journeys along Loch Linnhe.

The six-minute crossing across the Corran Narrows is one of the busiest routes in Scotland, with the ferry carrying more than 270,000 cars every year.

While it is out of action drivers are facing a 42-mile, 75-minute diversion with locals warning of the impact on the local economy. 

Calls for urgent Corran Ferry military aid

According to a report in The Times, Mr Blackford is now working with Highland Council and the Scottish Government to submit a formal request for military assistance.

Such requests are usually made in response to large-scale emergencies such as flooding disasters, and the military agrees only when a public body “lacks the capability” to fulfil a task.

Mr Blackford told The Times: “I will continue to work with all the agencies involved for a short-term solution to get the service moving until the MV Corran returns and also to work to make sure the long-term needs of the local population are met.”

Kate Forbes, MSP for Skye, Lochaber and Badenoch, has also called for the situation to be resolved as a “matter of emergency”. 

It is understood the Ministry of Defence is keen to intervene and is trying to identify a suitable vessel to work the route and alleviate problems on the network.

Meanwhile, Highland Council has introduced two foot passenger vessels to use the same route as the Corran Ferry until MV Corran and the Maid of Glencoul are back on.

The local authority has also identified six alternative routes – all of which involve journeys of up to 86 miles – on dry land for drivers.