Plans for a new road which will link the two communities on either side of an Argyll island for the first time have passed a major milestone.
An application to the Coastal Communities Fund for cash to help pay for the route between the north and south of Kerrera has reached stage two.
Kerrera, which sits in Oban Bay, is six miles long and has 33 residents, with half living in the north and half in the south.
Residents believe the new road will be a lifeline link which will also help the emergency services and medical staff.
Argyll and Bute Council and the Isle of Kerrera Development Trust are working together on the project.
The trust’s Tim Vollum said: “Now the big work starts. We will have to get a team together and start working on stage two.”
The council estimates the road will cost between £600,000-£1million to build.
A spokesman for the council said: “Our application to the Coastal Communities Fund for £400,000 has been progressed to stage two.
“This is good news for the project and is a great example of the local authority and the community working together.
“The stage two application will be submitted in September, with the decision expected in December.
“The Coastal Communities Fund aims to encourage the economic development of UK coastal communities by awarding funding to create economic growth and jobs.
“Competition for funding is always extremely high and success is not guaranteed, but we are optimistic.
“We will explore all funding options available to deliver the project.”
The council said all four landowners involved had indicated they were happy to give permission for the road and provide materials.
The planned route would be similar to a forest haul road. The council is seeking advice from forestry contractors and the estimated cost will depend on a number of factors.
Transport Scotland has said that the new road is the key to providing a ferry service which meets the needs of the whole island.
There is a vehicle service from Gallanach in Oban to the south end of Kerrera and a passenger service operated by Oban Marina to the north end.