NorthLink cuts 200,000 single-use plastics from Northern Isles ferries By Kevin Keane

BBC Scotland's environment correspondent Published duration 29 April 2019

image copyright Northlink image caption Northlink runs ferries between Aberdeen, Orkney and Shetland

NorthLink has reduced the amount of plastics used on its ferry services to and from the Northern Isles by more than 200,000 items each year.

Operator Serco said it made the move to reduce its environmental footprint.

It is replacing 87,000 disposable cups and 28,000 lids with compostable alternatives.

The company said that plastic teaspoons, food trays and portion pots for sauces would also also be removed from the services.

Northlink runs ferries between Aberdeen, Kirkwall and Lerwick, as well as the route between Scrabster and Stromness.

image copyright PA image caption NorthLink announced a move away from plastics last year

Seumas Campbell, from Serco NorthLink, said: "Looking after the natural environment is such an important part of the service we provide.

"So we are passionate about minimising our impact on the world around us.

"The steps we have taken to remove single-use plastics are very positive and we will keep looking for more opportunities to reduce our environmental footprint."

'Attenborough effect'

Last year, NorthLink said it was replacing plastic straws with paper ones on all its sailings in an effort to tackle plastic pollution in seas and on beaches.

The move follows a drive from many organisations to reduce single-use plastic consumption because of the 'Attenborough effect.'

The veteran broadcaster's series, Blue Planet 2, highlighted the damaging impact plastic is having on the marine environment.

image copyright Calmac image caption CalMac is also trying to reduce plastic waste