ENVIRONMENTAL charity Keep Scotland Beautiful has accredited 15 ports and harbours in Argyll & Bute owned by Caledonian Maritime Assets Limited (CMAL) and operated by CalMac Ferries with an environmental award, acknowledging both companies’ commitment to improving environmental quality and management at the sites.
The National Award for Environmental Excellence recognises achievements across a variety of areas, including building maintenance, cleanliness, carbon and waste management, and engagement with the local community.
Auditors visited and audited the sites across Scotland in October 2025 and completed a desktop assessment of environmental documentation. Overall, CMAL and CalMac received a Gold award level across 26 sites — up from Silver at the last audit carried out in 2022.
Among the 15 locations in Argyll & Bute was both Colintraive and Rhubodach, with both sides of the Kyles of Bute receiving praise.
The full list of ports and harbours recognised in Argyll and Bute was: Claonaig, Colintraive, Coll Harbour, Colonsay Harbour and Fishnish.
Also recognised were Gallanach, Kennacraig, Kerrera Marina, Oban Harbour and Port Ellen.
Completing the list are Portavadie Marina, Rhubodach, Tarbert Harbour, Tiree Harbour and Tobermory Harbour.
Alex Cross, director of standards and performance for CalMac, said: “We are delighted to receive a gold award from Keep Scotland Beautiful, particularly after winning a silver award last year.
This is a recognition of the targeted work we carry out as part of our environmental action plan.
CalMac operates 500 sailings a day across the stunning waters of the west coast of Scotland, and we play an important part in helping to protect this unique and diverse environment.
More enhancements can always be made, and we will continue to work on the opportunities for improvement which were highlighted in the Keep Scotland Beautiful report. Another aim for us will be achieving Keep Scotland Beautiful’s diamond award for carbon management.”
Ruth Rice, Environmental and Sustainability Manager at CMAL, added: “Achieving a gold award across all of our ports and harbours is a strong reflection of the consistent effort being made by our teams across the network.
We are committed to continually improving environmental standards across our infrastructure, and it’s encouraging to see that progress recognised. We look forward to building on this work in partnership with CalMac and Keep Scotland Beautiful in the future.”
Brian Rae, environment and place services manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, commented: “We are delighted to recognise CMAL and CalMac’s environmental commitment as part of our ongoing partnership with them.
This is the third round of assessments our auditors have carried out, and it is brilliant to see the award framework being used to drive continuous improvements at so many ports and harbours in Argyll & Bute.
We work closely with businesses and organisations across Scotland to inspire and support positive action and celebrate environmental achievements. Our National Award for Environmental Excellence provides an exciting opportunity to assess and reward the efforts that are being made to help keep Scotland beautiful, and I would like to congratulate everyone at the ports and harbours we visited for their sustained commitment to making environmental improvements that matter.
