Community rally gathers 50,000 signatures to save Scotland's last turntable ferry

The MV Glenachulish, the only manually operated turntable ferry remaining worldwide, links Glenelg on the mainland with Kylerhea on Skye and is operated by the Isle of Skye Ferry Community Interest Company. A centuries-old “right to ferry” grants landowner Richard Oliphant of that Ilk a percentage of the company’s annual turnover, and a lease clause mandates that the payment never drop below the previous year’s amount, creating a financial burden especially after poor weather reduced 2026 earnings.

The vessel suffered a breakdown earlier this month, threatening the rest of the tourist season and the jobs of its 22 employees. In response, more than 50,000 people have signed a petition urging the Scottish Government to amend the law and protect the service. CIC chief executive Jo Crawford described the situation as unsustainable, and Community Land Scotland’s Josh Doble called for government action to resolve the dispute. The campaign marks a pivotal effort to preserve this historic crossing and the local economy it supports.