WEST coast ferry operator CalMac is giving away 1,000 free tickets as part of National Ferry Fortnight.

Passengers will be able to buy one return ticket and get another free on any of the company’s 19 bookable routes.

CalMac sails to remote mainland areas and 24 island destinations across a 200-mile-long stretch of

Scotland’s wild and beautiful west coast.

National Ferry Fortnight runs from March 5 until 19, and is this year aimed at encouraging first-time ferry users to get on board.

Passengers must buy their tickets within the two-week period to take advantage of the offer and can use the tickets purchased until September 30. The offer applies to foot passengers only and excludes vehicles.

Bookings must be made via

CalMac’s freephone number 0800 066 5000.

“We have so many amazing destinations there’s never been a better time to experience the joys of a west coast ferry trip," said CalMac’s UK Tourism development manager Maggie Maguire.

"With great fares from just £2.20 return, an island getaway is great value and National Ferry Fortnight the perfect opportunity to try ferry travel for the first time or for regular ferry travellers to experience a new destination.”