A new transport vessel may soon serve Scotland's most remote areas, as US company Regent explores introducing its Seaglider technology to connect communities.

The company has partnered with HITRANS, the regional transport partnership for the Highlands and Islands in Scotland, to investigate potential routes to areas including Na h-Eileanan Siar (Western Isles), Highland, Moray, Orkney Islands, and Argyll and Bute.

The craft can accommodate up to 12 passengers and two crew members. It operates in three modes: travelling over water using its hull, operating as a hydrofoil, or flying in ground effect above the water's surface.

Adam Triolo, VP of Commercial Business Development at Regent, described the vessel as an "all-electric sustainable solution that could transform the way people transit this area of natural beauty."

According to Regent the vessel, called the Viceroy Seaglider, measures 55 feet in length with a 65-foot wingspan. The company reports it can reach speeds of up to 180mph.

David Holden, Regional Sustainable Aviation Manager at HITRANS, welcomed the development: "This is a hugely exciting prospect for transport in the Highlands and Islands.

"REGENT are bringing much needed innovation to coastal transportation which has the potential to transform how people travel across the Highlands and Islands in the future."

The partnership represents an early exploration phase, with both organisations assessing the feasibility of implementing this technology across Scotland's coastal geography.

Image of Viceroy Seaglider render credit: Regent