It's child's play as CalMac's Armadale port staff start kids' fun zone at the ferry office

Generous donations of toys from staff and friends have created a colourful area within the port office, which is there to be enjoyed by youngsters, whether they're dropping in from the community or travelling on the ferry.

The project is the brainchild of the staff at the port and, with support and input from manager Catherine Young, they have sourced everything from furniture to toys, crayons to colourful decorations - port assistants Gary Mahon and Sam Graham have been particularly involved in the venture. And it is all laid out on an alphabet and counting jigsaw mat.

The new furniture is handmade by Mallaig port assistant Colin Fisher and includes a table and benches decorated with fabulous sea creatures, hand painted by Gary Mahon. The special, super-dooper, small people-sized benches and table are a riot of all manner of sealife from the friendly pink octopus creeping across the table, to brightly drifting jellyfish and a selection of rockpool and beach favourites like sea urchins and starfish across the two benches.

"We thought we would like to brighten the office up for our young visitors, as well as those calling in from around our community," said Sam. "We collected together toys and books from port staff and their friends, and we have the fun new furniture, which was made especially for the space.

"I think that everyone's really enjoying the bright area and our young visitors certainly seem to have given it the thumbs up. We're incredibly grateful to Colin who made our amazing fun furniture and to Gary for his art work - it's so cheerful and perfect for our place here beside the seaside; the children have great fun learning all about the different things they may see on the beach or in the water.

"We had a busy season last year and are expecting that this addition will be warmly welcomed by families who are travelling with us, as well as locals."

Items which have been donated for young visitors to enjoy range from books for all ages, through to cuddly toys and games, and the colourful jigsaw rug makes it an eye-catching space.

Picture shows:

The fun zone at CalMac's Armadale Port Office is a huge hit with young visitors