Biz Campbell, Highland councillor for Wester Ross, Strathpeffer and Lochalsh, said the bypass served communities in Lochcarron, Kishorn, Shieldaig, Applecross and also Skye and Lochalsh.

BBC: Landslide on A890. Pic: Highland Council

The trial service will cover three rural general hospitals and 13 community hospitals within Argyll and Bute, Lochaber, Skye and Lochalsh, Wigtown, Western Isles, Arran, Cumbrae and Kinloch Rannoch.

BBC: NEWS | UK | Scotland | Medical airlift service extended

Raasay Crofters Association was launched 18 years ago to manage the rights on behalf of local crofters after public body Skye and Lochalsh Enterprise told the then Scottish Executive that it no longer wished to lease them.

BBC: Raasay crofters' anger at loss of sporting rights

About 4, 000 homes were still without power on Friday morning with parts of the Western Isles, Skye and the area around Kyle of Lochalsh affected.

BBC: Andrew MacPherson was the last of the family to be found

They said it would take a doctor in Broadford, on Skye, or a paramedic stationed in Kyle of Lochalsh, on the mainland, more than an hour to reach Arnisdale.

BBC: Protest held over remote GP cover in Glenelg and Arnisdale