Residents of the vast Ardnamurchan landmass, part of historic Argyll, are facing a four hour trek, much on single track roads, to get to Fort William where many work.
The traditional exit route from the peninsula is via the Corran Ferry carrying cars and passengers across the narrows from Ardgour on the west side of Loch Linnhe over to Nether Lochaber on the mainland.
Repairs to the old jetty and slipway are are said to be essential – both progressively damaged by powerful currents and the ferry’s strong bywash.
Repairs are estimated to last a month, to require the suspension of the service for the duration – and appear to be so essential that they can wait until summer 2010 – a time when the remote and beautiful peninsula sees the influx of visitors that supports the local economy.
A month of the high season is an expensive loss. In a way this is a more serious issue than disruption to residents. The bald truth is that this sort of lifestyle variation is part of the price you factor in to living in remote places.
Otherwise you live in cities, with the certainty of crowded transport services and roads, poor air quality, the inspiration of an urban rather than a rural landscape and every possible facility close to foot.