Stornoway ferry, MV Isle of Lewis, is stuck in drydock in Birkenhead on the River Mersey.
She was only due to be away for two weeks but this has doubled following a number of delays including waiting for replacement parts to arrive.
A problem with her propeller hub has held back her departure.
However, the MV Loch Seaforth has saved the day and has replaced the Isle of Lewis on the Stornoway to Ullapool route.
The relief vessel, MV Isle of Arran, was sent to Islay earlier this week whilst the Seaforth has carried out two return voyages each day.
The absence of other ships for her to shadow means she has been commissioned into a full passenger service sooner than expected.
The Loch Seaforth was always ready to sail the route but a gradual phasing-
She is still to take over from the MV Clipper Ranger and carry out regular overnight freight runs.
Stornoway ferry stuck in drydock
20 February 2015