The MV Lochnevis arrives at the new pier on Muck

The move signals the end of the flit boats which have been used for more than a century to take passengers and goods to and from larger ferries.

The new piers on Eigg, Muck and Rum are part of a �30m investment which includes a new car ferry.

Vehicles will have easy access to the islands for the first time - but there will be restrictions on the amount and type of traffic allowed to disembark.

The three Small Isles piers, which cost �16.5m to build, were officially opened on Tuesday by Transport Minister Nicol Stephen.

We must do all we can to support island life and encourage more young people to stay Nicol Stephen Transport Minister

He said: "This is a very major commitment to the future of these important islands.

"Today is a great day of celebration for people in Eigg, Muck and Rum.

"Islanders played a key role in campaigning for and designing these new facilities."

He said that investment in transport links is one of the key ways in which prosperity on the Small Isles can be increased.

"We must do all we can to support island life and encourage more young people to stay," added the minister.

Flit boats have reached the end of the line

"As with the community buy-out on Eigg, this is a shining example of islanders and government working together to build a brighter future."

The Eigg project - which has received two nominations for the Saltire Awards - cost �7.8m, while the Muck and Rum piers were built in an �8.7m joint project.

The improvements allow the new �8m Caledonian MacBrayne ferry, MV Lochnevis, to carry vehicles and passengers to the islands.