A controversial new Sunday sailing route to the Isle of Harris has been introduced, despite opposition from church groups.
Ferry operator Caledonian Macbrayne says it has reacted to public demand by introducing a permanent Sunday sailing to the Isle of Harris, despite opposition from church groups.
The first ferry arrived in Tarbet on Sunday from Uig in Skye. The route is the last to adopt seven-day sailings.
The move has been condemned by the Lord's Day Observance Society but Cal Mac say they are simply giving islanders and tourists what they want.
Managing director Martin Dorchester said: "We are delighted to have been able to respond to demand from local communities to increase capacity on these popular routes which were frequently booked well in advance on peak sailings making it difficult for tourists and islanders alike to get the sailings they needed.
"As a result of the consultation process, as required by the terms of our contract with the Scottish Government, we have also been able to refine our initial proposal to accommodate a bus connection in Skye."
He added: "We received 75 responses to the consultation, the majority of which were in favour of the new sailings, confirming our view that there was a sufficient demand in the islands to justify these services."
Transport and housing minister Keith Brown, also welcomed the new service, saying: "The Scottish Government is committed to delivering ferry services across the network which meet the needs of local communities to travel to and from the mainland, as well as encourage more visitors to our islands.
"Following feedback from local communities, I'm delighted a solution has been found by Cal Mac which provides extra capacity and more travel options to support this ambition."
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