Ferry operator CalMac is closing its Fort William base after being in the town for decades.
The CalMac Tourshop was part of the transport hub based at the train station and it is understood that three staff are now in negotiation with the ferry operator about relocation of jobs.
Caledonian MacBrayne has had a long association with the west coast, although ferries no longer operate from the town.
In the local area there are a number of routes such as Lochaline to Fishnish on Mull, Tobermory to Kilchoan, Mallaig to the Small Isles, Mallaig to Skye and services from Skye to the Western Isles, Raasay, Muck, Canna and Eigg.
The CalMac Fort William Tourshop was open all year round.
One CalMac community board member, who did not want to be named, said: “Everything is about online and people making travel decisions before they come on holiday, and using smartphones to buy tickets.
“It is a real shame that the Tourshop is closing as it was in a perfect location for getting people from one of the most visited destinations out onto the islands.
“But the problem is that the ferries are so busy already that to have a Tourshop to encourage more people to use the ferry network for a short day trip is just something that they can’t do.
“I heard that as soon as someone came into the shop to book a ticket – staff would regularly need to turn them away as there was simply no spaces on the boats for people and cars. Without a car it can be difficult to travel on the routes they were hoping to promote. ”
A CalMac spokesman said: “As a result of changing customer needs, we have taken the decision to close the CalMac Tour Shop in Fort William.
“We appreciate this will be disappointing for regular users, however information on ferry services and day tours will continue to be available at ports, online and through our customer contact centre.
“CityLink tickets will be available through the VisitScotland shop in Fort William. The shop will close on September 1 and discussions about the three staff members’ options are ongoing.”