Islanders and visitors heading to the mainland after taking in the new year at home face travel disruptions today.
Western Isles ferry services face delays and timetable changes due to swell conditions and rough seas.
The Met Office issued a gale warning for the Hebrides sea area with very strong westerly winds forecast.
A severe gale could peak for a period on Friday afternoon or early evening, with gusts around 50 to 60mph predicted in places.
Conditions may even reach storm force in the Minch and ferry skippers were to assess the prevailing conditions this morning (FRI) before making decisions over venturing out to sea.
The MV Hebrides is to operate a delayed and amended schedule, weather permitting, between North Uist, Skye and Harris at 12 noon. She will first sail to Tarbert, arriving there at 1.45pm before carrying on to Skye.
If conditions abate, the ship plans to double up a later run and sail at 4pm from Skye to Lochmaddy via Tarbert.
The MV Clansman’s run to Oban is also liable to disruption said shipping operator, Cal Mac. The vessel is expected to depart Lochboisdale at 10am, calling in at Castlebay at 11.30am.
Sailings between Stornoway and Ullapool are on amber alert.
Ferries serving Mull, Islay, and the Inner Hebrides also risk cancellation at short notice due to the forecast of adverse weather conditions with winds speeds up to 60 mph, said Cal Mac.