FERRY services between two Outer Hebridean islands have been hit after a ship was taken out of service for urgent repairs.

The MV Lord of the Isles is being sent to a drydock in Liverpool after a fault in its hull was discovered on Tuesday, forcing the cancellation of all sailings to Barra and South Uist.

It is hoped she will return for the start of next week. The problems were picked up as part of a routine inspection. The MV Clansman will provide some sailings to Barra in the coming days but it's unclear when a ferry will next call into South Uist.