A technical failure has put the Corran Ferry out of action, leaving people on the Ardnamurchan peninsula facing lengthy commutes by car.
Highland Council, which operates the five minute crossing between Fort William and Ardgour, is advising the public that the ferry is not in operation.
A spokeswoman for the council said: “On Saturday evening one of the MV Corran propulsion units failed and work is under way to source the part needed and get it fitted as soon as possible.
“Unfortunately the back-up vessel, the MV Maid of Glencoul, is not back from her refit due to delays caused by Covid-19 so the service has had to be suspended.
“Messages advising the public on the disruption to the service are on social media and all emergency services have been informed.”
The ferry is boarded from Corran, just before Fort William on the road between the town and Glasgow.
It provides a lifeline connection linking the communities of Fort William, Ardgour, Sunart, Ardnamurchan, Moidart, Morar, Morvern and the Isle of Mull.
To travel by road between Corran and Ardgour would involve a 42.6-mile trip of more than an hour.
Earlier this year an online survey revealed that the majority of locals on the Ardnamurchan peninsula would be in favour of a bridge or a tunnel replacing the ferry.
A study is under way to explore the future of the crossing.
