Ferry may be reintroduced after 40 years as Highland road is cut by landslides

A FERRY could re-start after more than 40 years to overcome a traffic headache in the Highlands after landslides blocked a road indefinitely.

The A890 Stromeferry by-pass between Lochcarron and Kyle of Lochalsh has been shut since 22 December after 100 tons of rock fell.

Several days of work saw debris cleared, safety netting used to try to contain rockfalls repaired and the rockface made safe again.

The road was due to re-open at 4pm on Hogmanay, but another 100 tons of rock fell in a second landslide, 100 yards west of an avalanche shelter built to protect the road, blocked it again.

Leaders of Highland Council and emergency services met yesterday to discuss short and long-term options.

About 60 pupils from Applecross and Lochcarron, who are bussed to Plockton High School on the road, are due to return on Monday after the festive holidays. The only alternative road would involve a round trip of about 270 miles.

It is expected the council will confirm today the pupils will travel to school by train, arriving in Plockton at 11:16am, returning home on the 5:26pm service, with the school extending its hours to compensate. The authority is also looking at a number of short-term options, including opening the A890 to essential local traffic, under supervision and traffic control.

It also confirmed the option of a passenger ferry is being explored. A regular ferry last crossed Loch Carron in 1970, when the by-pass opened.

Council leader Michael Foxley said: “We are acutely aware of the disruption caused by the ongoing closure of this busy route between Lochcarron and Plockton/Kyle and the significant diversion that is involved.

“At the same time, safety is paramount and this is foremost in our minds as we strive to find short, medium and longer term solutions to the problem of an unstable rockface.”

Councillor John Laing, chairman of the transport, environment and technical services committee, added: “There are a number of contingency measures being considered and if the road is not reopened in the near future these will be put in place as a matter of urgency.”

The closure has affected deliveries of goods to the area and hit local businesses.

Lochcarron butcher Stuart Mackenzie said he and other firms have lost trade.

He said: “It’s a nightmare. I’ve missed three weekly runs to Plockton and its costing a lot of money.

“It’s caused a lot of inconvenience to people. The knock on-effect of the closure is unbelievable.”