Highland Council proceeds to procurement for a new electric Corran Ferry

2nd October 2026

Photograph of Highland Council proceeds to procurement for a new electric Corran Ferry

The Highland Council has reached another significant milestone in the delivery of a replacement Corran Ferry, with the procurement for a new electric vessel.

Funded through a £58 million investment from the Inverness and Highland City-Region Deal, including £28 million from the Scottish Government for the new electric vessel, £20 million from the UK Government and £10 million from The Highland Council towards landside infrastructure, the project will deliver a modern replacement ferry service for one of Scotland's busiest single-vessel crossings.

Working in partnership with Caledonian Maritime Assets Ltd (CMAL), the Council has developed the tender documentation required and has now formally launched the procurement process through a single-vessel tender. This approach benefits from CMAL's technical expertise and procurement support, while allowing the project to progress within the intended procurement timeframe.

Chair of The Highland Council's Economy and Infrastructure Committee, Cllr Ken Gowans, said: “Reaching the procurement stage for a new electric Corran Ferry is a significant milestone and demonstrates the continued progress being made in delivering this major investment for the Highlands.

"The Corran crossing is a vital transport link for local communities, businesses and visitors, and procuring a suitably qualified suppliers is a vital step towards securing a modern, reliable and sustainable ferry service.

"Alongside investment in new shoreside infrastructure, the replacement vessel will help strengthen the resilience of the service, support our environmental ambitions and ensure the crossing continues to play a key role in supporting the economy and connectivity of the area for generations to come."

Cabinet Secretary for Economy, Tourism and Transport Stephen Flynn said:

“We are committed to ensuring Highland communities have the infrastructure they need to thrive – this £28 million investment is a demonstration of that.

“These projects highlight the value of partnership working between the Scottish Government and City-Region Deal partners to strengthen connectivity, drive economic growth and build more resilient communities across the Highlands.”

Subject to the successful completion of the procurement process, the contract for the new vessel is expected to be awarded in March 2027, with the replacement ferry anticipated to enter service in early 2029.

The replacement vessel will operate alongside significant investment in new shoreside infrastructure and will be supported by the MV Corran, which will continue to serve as a relief vessel.

Work on the landside infrastructure is progressing and is currently programmed for completion by June 2027. Installation and commissioning of the charging infrastructure is expected to be completed by September 2028.

The Council remains committed to delivering a modern, low-emission ferry service that meets the needs of local communities while supporting wider environmental objectives and helping secure the long-term resilience of the Corran crossing.

Information on the procurement opportunity is available via Public Contracts Scotland.
https://www.publiccontractsscotland.gov.uk/search/show/search_view.aspx?ID=OCT565785

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

Today : Local Authority

 
Wick and Thruso Jobs secured and bus services strengthened through D&E Coaches acquisition

Highland Council-owned D&E Coaches has confirmed the acquisition of Stagecoach’s Thurso and Wick bus operation securing local jobs.  This will protect vital services and strengthening public transport provision across the Highlands.  

30/9/2026 : Local Authority

Reforming Scotland’s Councils: Should We Test One Region Before Reorganising Them All?

Scotland is considering one of the biggest changes to local government for a generation.  The Scottish Government has proposed replacing the existing 32 councils with between six and ten regional authorities, alongside somewhere between 120 and 160 community authorities.  

30/9/2026 : Local Authority

Scottish Cities Alliance Investment Conference to showcase Highland opportunities

Inverness will welcome government representatives, investors, business leaders and economic development partners later this week as it hosts the Scottish Cities Alliance Autumn Investor Event.  A two-day programme designed to showcase investment opportunities across Inverness, the Highlands and Scotland's city regions.  

29/9/2026 : Local Authority

Are We Trying to Save Britain’s Towns Without Planning Their Future?

Walk through almost any British town centre and you can see the evidence of change.   There are empty shops where there were once businesses.  

28/9/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council Ward 3 By-election - Voters urged to make sure their vote counts

Polling will take place on Thursday 1 October 2026 to elect one of five candidates standing in The Highland Council's Wick and East Caithness Ward 3 by-election.  Voters are being reminded to make sure they are ready to cast their vote.  

26/9/2026 : Advisory / Counseling Services

September is Scottish Start-Up Month – could your business idea become a reality?

September has become a month when Scotland's aspiring entrepreneurs are being encouraged to take a closer look at an idea that may have been sitting in the back of their minds for some time.   Scottish Start-Up Month, led by Business Gateway, has returned for 2026 with a simple message: if you have an idea for a business, this could be the month to take the first step.  

25/9/2026 : Educational Institutions

Fewer Children, More Difficult Decisions: The Future of Highland's Schools

For many years Highland Council has faced difficult decisions over small rural schools.   Some have closed, others have been mothballed, and communities have often argued that a village school is about much more than the number of children sitting in its classrooms.  

25/9/2026 : Local Authority

Glasgow’s 23,000 Council Workers Face a Major Pay Shake-Up

Glasgow City Council has taken a dramatic step in its long-running equal-pay dispute, giving notice that it intends to end existing pay arrangements for its non-teaching workforce unless an agreement can be reached with the trade unions.   Around 23,000 employees are affected.  

25/9/2026 : Employment Services

What Are the Options for Scottish Pupils Who Do Not Want the Traditional Academic Route?

Parents of teenagers in England are being told that they will need to understand a new range of vocational qualifications as their children approach the age of 14.   The Career Development Institute has welcomed the introduction of new Vocational GCSEs, which are due to start being introduced in England from 2029.  

24/9/2026 : Local Authority

The £27 Million Energy Bill Facing Highland Council – And NHS Highland's Hidden Cost

Rising energy prices are a problem for households and businesses, but there is another very large energy bill that receives much less attention.   Highland Council operates one of the largest public-sector property estates in Scotland, while NHS Highland runs hospitals, health centres, clinics and other facilities across an enormous geographical area.