The conversion of the former Eriskay ferry waiting room at Ludag on South Uist is almost complete, and a formal leasing process will get under way soon, Stòras Uibhist has announced.

Stòras Uibhist said: “Applicants will be scored on a range of elements including job creation and wider community benefits that will be delivered.

“Stòras Uibhist is delighted there is so much positive interest in the premises and would urge all interested local businesses and organisations to submit a completed application form once the application window opens.”

Last November, the community-owned estate revealed it had secured funding to convert the waiting room into a commercial takeaway unit.

Local builder Paul Macinnes won the tendering process for the work.

The conversion followed a successful planning permission application from Stòras Uibhist to use the building as a class 3 hot food commercial unit to sell hot food and drinks for consumption off the premises.

In granting planning permission, the Comhairle noted that development would make good use of a vacant building and positively impact the area’s amenity.

They added that the development would improve the facilities available in the area and support tourism and the local economy.