With days to go to the opening of the Hebridean Celtic Festival, the ferry bringing thousands of music fans to the islands has been ‘commandeered’.

As part of a three-deal deal with the award-winning festival, CalMac Ferries, have re-named the vessel on the Ullapool-Stornoway service the ‘HebCelt Ferry’ during the four-day event.

HebCelt has a pop-up information and tickets office on board, while there is also a festival-themed menu in its restaurant.

On Wednesday and Thursday, a trio of musicians from Fèis Rois, the Gaelic arts and music organisation, will be entertaining passengers heading to the festival.

HebCelt is being held for the 24th time from Wednesday until Saturday. Almost 30 international acts will perform in the main arena programme – including headliners KT Tunstall, The Shires and Tide Lines - as well as events in various venues in Lewis and Harris.

The festival has a major economic impact on the islands and plays a key role in attracting visitors to the area.

More than half the audience comes from outside Lewis and Harris and an independent report last year showed the festival directly generated £2.1 million.