CalMac says "no ifs, no butts" to smoking litter
CalMac is urging passengers to stub out smoking litter with the help of the artistic talents of an Ullapool schoolgirl.
Posters designed by Megan Ross are on display at ferry ports throughout the network and call on smokers to dispose of cigarette waste responsibly.
Smoking-related litter is the most common type of litter found at CalMac ports, and is harmful to both marine life and the environment.
CalMac Environment Manager Ruth Rice said: "Since we started carrying out litter monitoring at our ports, we have found that smoking related litter - mainly cigarette butts - is the dominant type of litter recorded across the network.
"It is estimated that it can take 14 years for cigarette butts to degrade in the environment, and plastic cigarette filters contain thousands of chemical ingredients, including arsenic, lead and nicotine, all of which can leak into the marine environment. According to studies, just one cigarette butt in one litre of water is highly toxic to fish.
"Please take notice of the inspirational stickers created by the talented Megan and use the cigarette bins provided!"