Highland Council starts search for new electric Corran Ferry

Tenders open for a replacement vessel on one of Scotland’s busiest single-vessel crossings, expected in service in early 2029.

Daily Alba · 2 October 2026 · 2 min read

Illustrative image of a small car ferry crossing a Highland loch; not the Corran Ferry. Illustrative image, not a photograph of the reported event.

Highland Council has formally begun procurement for a new electric ferry to cross the Corran Narrows in Lochaber, between Ardgour and Nether Lochaber.

Ageing fleet

The current vessel, MV Corran, is 25 years old and has suffered several breakdowns in recent years. The relief ferry, Maid of Glencoul, is 51 years old and will be retired once the new boat is running, with MV Corran kept as the backup.

Funding

The project is part of a £58 million commitment under the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal. The Scottish Government has provided £28 million towards the vessel and the UK Government £20 million towards shoreside work, with Highland Council contributing £10 million, according to the council.

Timetable

The council hopes to award the contract in March next year, working with ferry-procurement body CMAL. The final cost will not be known until tenders are assessed. Council economy chair Ken Gowans called it a significant milestone.

Source & attribution: This original report is based on BBC News, published 2 October 2026. This is not independent on-the-ground reporting.