Everything is more than chip shape on Caledonian MacBrayne's ferries.
It has become the first ferry company to take VisitScotland's 'Taste Our Best' seal of approval to the high seas.
The firm's Mariners restaurants have joined such illustrious company as The Three Chimneys in Skye, Martin Wishart at both Edinburgh and Loch Lomond, and The Ubiquitous Chip in Glasgow, which are also Taste Our Best accredited.
Seven of the company's eateries, including MVs Isle of Lewis, Hebrides and Lord of the Isles, the ferries which usually ply the Lewis, Harris, North and South Uist, Barra and Skye routes, have been awarded the accolade.
It is particularly special as CalMac prepares to embrace Scotland's Year of Food and Drink. Two other ferries are in the process of being assessed and, once in service, the new £42m MV Loch Seaforth will also be appraised by the judges.
More than 50 per cent of the Mariners Menu is Scottish, offering the likes of Barra-landed haddock, smoked salmon from Argyll Smokery in Dunoon, along with burgers sourced from meat from around Argyll and the famous CalMac'n'Cheese, made using cheddar from Lockerbie. Lighter bites include cakes from Cobbs Bakery, Loch Ness and freshly made sandwiches from local suppliers. Haddock and chips accounted for over a third of all meals sold on the ferries.
"We have worked hard to put together a menu which not only satisfies our hungry customers, but which is value for money and promotes good Scottish produce," said retail operations manager Kurt Hart.
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