The Ballachulish Ferry once played a vital role in connecting the communities of North and South Ballachulish across the narrow but treacherous narrows of Loch Leven in the Scottish Highlands. For centuries, this small but strategic ferry crossing served as the main route for travellers heading to or from the west coast of Scotland and the Isles, long before bridges and modern roads transformed Highland transport.
The ferry operated just east of the current Ballachulish Bridge and was part of the A82 trunk road, one of Scotland’s most important routes. With steep hills and winding lochside roads, the crossing was a welcome relief for motorists, but it was also known for long queues, especially during the busy summer months. The ferry could only carry a few vehicles at a time, and weather often delayed or disrupted the service.
On 23 December 1975, the ferry made its final journey when the Ballachulish Bridge officially opened. The sleek steel bridge, spanning 964 feet, rendered the ferry obsolete and vastly improved road connections in the region. Its opening marked the end of an era but also the beginning of faster, more reliable transport for the Highlands.
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