Islanders have long campaigned for ferry timetable improvements and, although ferry operator CalMac has put on extra summer sailings, the winter timetable remains restrictive, while cancellations can wreak havoc with travel plans.

Alistair MacDougall, head of Argyll and Bute Council’s transportation committee, believes a tunnel, offering round-the-clock access to the mainland, may be the answer.

“In winter you are at the mercy of the weather and at the moment, if you live on Mull, you are limited over your working day on the mainland whereas, if you are living on Skye, you can come and go as you please – we are being denied that option,” said Councillor MacDougall, who lives on Mull.

He added: “I don’t know what it would cost to build a tunnel, but if you count the cost of new ferries over 100 years it is going to come to quite a bit and that money could be spent on a tunnel.

“There is the Channel Tunnel and the Mersey Tunnel and you have got tunnels through the Alps, so why couldn’t we have a Mull tunnel?”

While a bridge to Mull is a possibility, Mr MacDougall thinks the height requirement, due to the area’s shipping traffic, would make that option impractical.

He favours a tunnel between Fishnish, on Mull, and Lochaline, on the Morvern peninsula, where miles of tunnels have already been channelled for the Lochaline sand mine.

Daniele Trogolo Got, project manager of Lochaline Quartz Sand Ltd, said: “In principle, any kind of tunnel could be possible, but without a technical and geological survey we are not in a position to make any suggestions.”

Highlighting that a tunnel, giving 24-hour access to the mainland, would make Mull a commuter island all year round, in all weathers, Mr MacDougall added: “The crossing from Fishnish to Lochaline is only about two miles, so at 30mph you could get there quickly in a tunnel.

“I would like to see Transport Scotland draw up plans and to get people around the table to talk about it, as Mull is getting busier and the ferries have been full this summer. The population of Mull is about 3,000, but the Isle of Mull ferry can take 1,000 passengers over at a time, four times a day.”

A Transport Scotland spokesman said: “We note Mr MacDougall’s proposal for a fixed link between Fishnish and Lochaline.

“Argyll and Bute Council should consider undertaking a transport appraisal, using the approach set out in the Scottish Transport Appraisal Guidance, should they wish to promote such a scheme.

“Details are available on the Transport Scotland website and officials are happy to provide advice on its application if required.”