Corran ferry crew named Team of the Year at awards
The crew of the Corran ferry has been awarded Team of the Year at the Highland Council’s 2023 Staff Recognition Awards, recognising its work during a troubled time for the Corran Narrows crossing.
In a ceremony at the Kingsmills Hotel, Inverness, on Friday June 9, skipper George Maitland picked up the award on behalf of the 14-person crew from Highland Council interim chief executive Kate Lackie and convener Bill Lobban.
Speaking about the award, George said: “It was a surprise. It means a lot to us, with the ferry and what has happened to it. It has been a pretty traumatic time for the ferry crew.
“We pride ourselves on being able to put a second boat out in 20 or 30 minutes but that has obviously not been possible with both boats being out of action. Thank you on behalf of the ferry crew. This is for everyone.”
George also thanked Highland Council for putting on awards that recognised the staff and Councillor Sarah Fanet, who had nominated the crew.
Councillor Fanet said: “I am absolutely delighted the
Corran Ferry crew has won this well-deserved Team of the Year Award at the Highland Council 2023 Staff Recognition Awards. They have shown resilience and worked in very difficult conditions this year to keep this essential ferry service going.
“My thanks go to Ardgour Community Council and the residents who have helped me gather first-hand information and stories so I could nominate this dedicated team whose hard work is valued and highly appreciated in the communities. A huge well done and thank you to the Corran ferry crew.”
The Corran ferry route has had one of its most difficult years. It made national headlines and was the subject of parliamentary questions when the MV Corran and MV Maid of Glencoul were simultaneously out of action in April and May, leaving the route without a car ferry service for two months.
Although the MV Maid of Glencoul returned to service on Monday June 5, the MV Corran, which has been away since October 2022, is still absent.
Chairperson of Ardgour Community Council Kendra Turnbull added her thanks to the crew.
“The crew of the Corran ferry know how important they are to this community and they stand up to that responsibility day in, day out.
“This is a thoroughly deserved acknowledgement of the adversity which they faced this year but also of the commitment they have shown every year. They have Ardgour Community Council’s full support and thanks.”
The Team of the Year was one of nine categories announced at the Staff Recognition Awards. Other winners included the teams of Green Freeport and Project Dòchas, as well as those working on supporting interrupted learning and preventing poverty through partnerships.
Anja Fuglestad, cook in charge at Croy Primary School, won the Employee of the Year award. She won the same title at the 2022 Scottish School Food Awards.
Her work for the Food For Life Ambassadors programme has led her to explore pupils’ healthy eating education, including a growing garden and cooking lessons.
The Ukrainian resettlement team was presented with a special award.
A Scots pine will be planted in Glen Affric to commemorate each winning team’s success and each winner received a certificate from Trees for Life.