Council backs Cromarty - Nigg ferry service
The Highland Council and Highland Opportunity are both supporting the new ‘Cromarty Queen’ car and passenger ferry, which will operate during the summer months on the Cromarty - Nigg crossing, starting from today (Thursday).
The ferry service is receiving support from the Council and Ithaca, operators of the Nigg oil terminal, of up to £39,850 in 2011. The Council also supports free travel for residents of Highland, who are holders of the travel concession on the National Entitlement Card when they travel as foot passengers.
Highland Opportunity has provided Cromarty Ferry Company Ltd with a loan of £50,000 from its Highland Business Growth Fund towards the purchase of the ferry.
The new ‘Cromarty Queen’ is able to carry 50 passengers and 4 cars but remains one of the smallest car ferries on a regular service in the UK. Built in a landing craft style with an internal turntable , it will provide the 10 minute crossing from May and September operating every half hour from 8 am - 6 pm.
TV personality Penelope Keith launched the ferry service earlier this week when local Highland Councillors attended a ceremony at Cromarty.
Local Highland Councillor David Alston said: "We are delighted to support the reinstatement of this important ferry link between Cromarty and Nigg. It is a very impressive new vessel which will provide a very useful service for local people and attract visitors to the area."
Highland Opportunity director Councillor Drew Hendry said: "HOL looked at the plans and the benefits that this ferry service could bring and agreed to support the jobs and tourism income that could be generated. We wish the operators every success."
There has been a ferry operating between Cromarty and Nigg since the 13th Century and the route is known as the ‘The King ' s Ferry’ being used by King James IV on a number of occasions in the 15th & 16th Centuries and more recently by Prince Charles on a visit to Cromarty.
Our photo shows Penelope Keith launching the ferry.