Western Isles ferries are on amber alert after a Met Office gale warning for Friday.
Sailings may be delayed or cancelled at short notice.
Rough seas and strong winds are forecast.
A Force 8 to 9 gale warning has been issued for around the Hebrides.
Gusts up to 60mph may be expected for South Uist and Barra.
All parts of the Minch will have rough seas though conditions may be worse off South Uist and Barra as well as off north Lewis.
The knock-
Force 8 gale set to disrupt ferries
18 December 2014