An Argyll and Bute Council committee has agreed to pursue full funding for its ferry service as the way of best meeting the needs of island communities.

The Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee also have plans to build resilience into operating procedures for the Jura, Luing, Lismore and Easdale ferries.

The long-term strategy considers vessel replacement as well as the requirements of the island communities served by the ferries.

These priorities are creating onsite accommodation at Port Askaig to help with recruiting suitably certified officers and getting funding for the design of a new Jura ferry

They also include deploying the Eilean Dhiura from Jura to Cuan/Luing, and making any necessary changes to the slipway on that route as well as replacing the Easdale workboat with a landing craft type vessel.

There will be a shortfall of £600,000 for the financial year 2024-25 which will have to be met by the council.

The process of how ferries are crewed is still under review to boost resilience and meet skills shortage.

The council’s lifeline ferry services is currently run at a deficit, with support from the Scottish Government to help bridge the gap.