Campaigners fighting to secure a free ferry service for remote Highland communities are seeking legal advice over claims European regulations prevent their local council helping.

Campaigners fighting to secure a free ferry service for remote Highland communities are seeking legal advice over claims European regulations prevent their local council helping.

Highland Council has warned that it could be in breach of European state aids regulations if it continues to subsidise the Corran Ferry, which the authority insists is a loss-making service.

The Nether Lochaber to Ardgour route is used by 290,000 vehicles a year and is a key link connecting the Ardnamurchan and Morvern peninsulas to the trunk road network near Fort William. Many use it to commute to work in the town.

It is also used by those heading to Mull by way of a ferry from either Lochaline or Kilchoan

There was a fare increase in March, which meant it cost £7.90 for a single crossing with a car or £69.50 for a book of 30 tickets. But another four per cent increase is due in April.

The Free Crossing for Corran campaign is backed by MSP John Finnie who used to be a leading Highland councillor, and former Council leader Dr Michael Foxley, who was a long-time councillor for the areas affected. Both dismissed the authority??s EU claims as a smokescreen.

There have been claims that the council is looking for ways "to run away" from operating the lifeline ferry service. The alternative is a lengthy detour along the A861 single track road on the west side of Loch Linnhe round the head of Loch Eil.

Campaign Convenor, Tony Boyd, issued a statement, saying: ??The State Aid argument is simply a smokescreen for a council who are unwilling to deal proactively with this service. The EU rules do not apply and we are currently seeking legal advice on this.??

He said the main obstacle to progress was a lack of clear information on the true costs of the service, with no real picture on whether the service really runs at a loss, or if it was self-supporting.

A spokeswoman for the Highland Council said the authority was considering Mr Boyd??s comments.

Last month council officials said the crossing has been run at a loss for a number of years, recording a deficit of £221,764 in 2013/14.

The EU has outlawed state aid or subsidy which distorts the market by giving advantage to one party.