Black Isle and Easter Ross volunteers united in litter blitz as campaign gathers pace
HUNDREDS of volunteers around Ross-shire are rallying to a call to help tackle some shocking littering across the county.
Last week, we backed a campaign launched by Ross and Cromarty’s Lord-Lieutenant Joanie Whiteford which centres on tackling the menace of roadside rubbish.
The primary goal is to prompt behaviour change. Trained litter pickers employed by Highland Council tackle some of the worst areas with safety signs and in high-visibility uniforms.
READ ALSO
• Invergordon lad (4) tackles litter louts
• ‘Don’t rubbish Ross-shire’ - roadside litter campaign reveals worst spots
• Join 7000-plus others and sign up for the Ross-shire newsletter
It has also inspired litter-picking campaigns in other areas of the county.
The scale of the problem was all too clear to see after spending some time with roadside litter pickers employed by Highland Council to wage the endless battle against thoughtlessly discarded trash.
The response to the call has been heartening with several litter picks already completed, scores of bags of rubbish now cleared and several more clean-up blitzes planned coast to coast.
Mrs Whiteford said: “I have been hugely heartened by the amount of support we have received since the launch of ‘Don't Rubbish Ross-shire’.
“Tidying up after the littering is one thing, but addressing the source of the problem is another. It would be really great, though, if retailers and food-to-go outlets would get behind a wider awareness campaign encouraging responsible disposal of rubbish.”
One of her deputies, Angus Watson, is backing the campaign and was involved in a Spring Litter Sweep undertaken by fifteen enthusiastic Ferintosh volunteers who spent a couple of hours on Sunday afternoon collecting 19 bags of rubbish from various routes around Culbokie.
He said: “Sadly, there was also more fly-tipping at the entrance to the water treatment plant and evidence from the litter collected that we have repeat offenders.
“The Ferintosh volunteers undertake regular litter wweeps and were happy to get behind the Lord-Lieutenant’s campaign, which is supported by The Global Energy Group and Highland Council.
“The previous litter sweep around the same routes was carried out in November - only three months on over the winter period, 19 bags of rubbish have been discarded onto our beautiful countryside!”
His message is clear: “Please take your litter home or use the many litter bins provided across the county. We are so fortunate to live in such a beautiful part of the world. Together we can all protect its natural beauty.”
What did the volunteers come across?
Mr Watson said: “Common items found every time are discarded vapes which of course are very dangerous for wildlife due to their contents; always plastic drinks bottles and crisp bags. We found an entire plastic bag full of a takeaway meal hanging on a bush which must have been thrown out of a vehicle window, obviously were not enamoured with their choice of meal !
“The most prominent and repeat litter are discarded empty glass wine bottles on the road between the village and the water treatment plant adjacent to the A9. We collected 20 to 30 on Sunday, almost all the same brand! this is a common theme at every litter sweep (3 to 4 months)
“Fly-tipping at the water treatment plant entrance is also common. There have been multiple TVs, fridges, beds etc in the past.
“Sunday’s rubbish (including the fly-ipping) has already been removed by Highland Council. They are very supportive, supplying the litter picks, gloves, black bin bags and collecting all the rubbish really quickly.
“Even more frustrating is to find fresh litter dropped the day after we’ve cleared an area. Really don’t understand why people can’t take their rubbish home and dispose of it.
“The worst areas do seem to be on the road down from the village to the B9163 with a lot of empty bottles in the ditches and from Findon Farm to the A9 (along the B9163).
“A big mention to the great team of conscientious volunteers who take so much pride in trying to keep Ferintosh area tidy and a pleasure for everyone to live and travel through and a thank you to those drivers who pass by slowly and show their support to the team.
“The volunteers often carry out the litter sweep when the weather is not so kind as it was on Sunday! but they continue to brave the elements for the benefit of everyone and everything who enjoy and depend on the countryside.”
Meanwhile members of Tain Youth Voice worked wonders on a path to the local ASDA store, collecting 11 bags of rubbish in just 150m, including 15 vapes containing lithium batteries, which are extremely harmful to animals and the environment.
Youth development officer Rob Parkes said: “The litter pick was successful in that a lot of rubbish was collected and the group received much praise from the community on social media. It took a couple of hours and made a huge visual difference. We have since spoken with the community council and local councillors and will be speaking with the manager at ASDA to try and get more bins provided along the route.
“Regardless of the provision of bins, it’s never acceptable to throw litter on the ground and should be kept until a bin is available or taken home. Its surely not right that we rely on young people to clear up others mess.”
Knockbreck Primary also had a litter pick in that area only two weeks ago.
If you have litter picks or would like to share your story or picture, email hector.mackenzie@hnmedia.co.uk
