Work started in July on a £4 million upgrade of Western Ferries’ infrastructure at Hunter’s Quay, the Cowal shore terminal of the busy passenger and vehicle Clyde service to McInroy’s Point near Gourock.

The project is due for completion by the end of the year, with the installation of a new 30m linkspan which is being built at the Ferguson Yard in Port Glasgow as the biggest feature.

Western Ferries, formed in 1968, provide a four-ship service, with departures every 20 minutes for the 20-minute crossings, and every 15 minutes at peak times.

The line-up consists of Sound of Scarba, Sound of Shuna, Sound of Seil and Sound of Soay.