Council find money at 11th hour to reverse plan to withdraw support from Cromarty–Nigg ferry
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A FERRY linking two Ross-shire communities has been saved at the 11th hour as Highland Council stepped in with funding after pressure from constituents and a local councillor.
Councillor Gordon Adam, of the Black Isle ward, said £10,000 had been found to reverse a plan to reduce funding for the Cromarty-Nigg ferry.
Cromarty Development Trust raised concerns, earlier this week, after Highland Council budget papers showed that the funding would be cut for the Cromarty to Nigg ferry service.
Cllr Adam said: "I am pleased to say that we have found a solution to the funding shortfall with the area committees chipping in to make up the additional £10k.
"The initial proposal was to cut the subsidy altogether as it is not a statutory obligation for the council to provide it.
"I and others opposed this and after a lot of discussion we came up with the compromise that £10k would be cut, and the fares for cars would rise.
"This would almost certainly have been sufficient to keep the service going.
"However, funding from the Scottish Government and unexpected last minute underspend from this financial year gave the council additional scope for spending.
"It was difficult to unpick the budget at this late stage, so we have agreed that the area committee budgets - which are much increased - will contribute.
"I spoke to the ferry operator, he is very pleased and keen to get sailing as soon as lockdown restrictions allow - probably in May."
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