The Western Isles will be one of the first areas in the country to announce local general election results.
The Comhairle has chartered a plane to fly ballot boxes from Uist and Barra to the counting centre in Stornoway.
First the boxes from Barra and Vatersay will be taken to Eriskay by boat.
From there, they will be transported by vehicle to a central gathering point in Benbecula.
All the Southern Isles boxes will be transferred onto an aircraft at Balivanich airport and flown to the count Stornoway.
The cost of charter is under £10,000.
The aim is to declare the Western Isles result around 1.30am on Friday 8th May, some three and a half hours after the polls close.
Council hires plane to pick up election ballot boxes
15 April 2015