A proposal to base the boat on the mainland, which could have seen nearly a third of the island's 32-strong population leaving, has been dropped.

The service will now be handed over to islanders to run and the ferry will be reclassified as a work boat to overcome regulations on crewing.

Islanders say the move will secure the future of their fragile community.

The ferry is the lifeline for the people of Foula, which lies 12 miles west of the Shetland mainland.

It's about more than making life better for the islanders, it's about the survival of the community Isabel Holbourn

However, the boat is currently without a resident skipper and Shetland Islands Council is having difficulty finding anyone willing to move to the island permanently to take up the job.

The local authority had presented three options to the community - continue the current service with relief skippers being flown into the island at huge expense; base the ferry on the Shetland mainland or have the islanders take it over themselves.

Community spokeswoman Isabel Holbourn said: "The ferry is 22 tonnes but is currently in a classification that goes up to 500 tonnes.

"If it was to be designated a work boat, the islanders who work as crew on the ferry and are already qualified ship masters will be allowed to do the job they have been able to do for years.