Caledonian MacBrayne ferries will this weekend provide the perfect platform for passengers to take part in the national Whale and Dolphin Watch weekend. CalMac routes across the network from Ardrossan to Stornoway will be involved, offering people the chance to contribute to the survey of sea-life.

The aim of the survey, which is being organised by the Sea Watch Foundation, is to get as many people as possible throughout the UK looking for whales, dolphins and porpoises on the weekend of 27 and 28 July. This can be done from ferries, other vessels or from the coast itself.

Questionnaires and leaflets are will be available on CalMac ferries operating in the key areas and hot-spots on the west coast of Scotland: the Oban to Castlebay, Ardrossan to Brodick, Mallaig and Small Isles, Oban to Craignure, Kennacraig to Islay, Uig to Tarbert Wemyss Bay to Rothesay and Ullapool to Stornoway routes.

CalMac are also contributing to a range of prizes being offered by the Sea Watch Foundation. Public Affairs Manager High Dan MacLennan said: "We are delighted to be able to help the Sea Watch Foundation with this important survey of sea-life off the West Coast. The waters of the Hebrides are one of the richest areas in Western Europe in terms of sea-life sightings. Our crews and customers are well used to seeing dolphins and porpoises in particular and occasionally whales, so we are keeping our fingers crossed that this weekend will provide the Foundation with the research information they need and raise awareness of the richness of the west coast environment. We will be making appropriate announcements on our ships and distributing leaflets and questionnaires to enable people to take part."

The Sea Watch Foundation is a Registered Charity set up to improve the conservation of whales and dolphins around Britain. All sightings from the National Whale and Dolphin Watch weekend will be posted on the Sea Watch website www.seawatchfoundation.org.uk after the event.