PICTURES: Ben Wyvis Primary community bands together for epic Maryburgh and Conon litter pick
THERE was a feelgood buzz around the neighbouring villages of Conon Bridge and Maryburgh last week as hundreds of people pulled together on a successful community clean-up.
Go-karts, an air fryer, engine parts and many cans were amongst a massive haul of rubbish collected during the effort involving Ben Wyvis Primary School and Conon Bridge Community Council.
An enthusiastic workforce of around 250 people - including pupils, parents, teachers and local well-wishers - got stuck in to during a day-long blitz which made a dramatic difference.
Community council secretary Stephen Macdonald said afterwards: “The whole idea was getting the young people interested in looking after the community.
“Everyone just got involved and worked together and there was a real buzz about the place. The pupils had made posters which were put up locally so as many people as possible knew what was happening.”
Local councillor Sean Kennedy was amongst those pitching in.
The event ran from 9:30am - 2:30pm last Friday with staggered times for different classes to get involved.
Mr Macdonald said: “Huge thanks to head teacher Mrs McDowall and all the staff, parents, children, and also the school parent council for providing the teas for the volunteers.
“Thanks to the members of the Conon Bridge Community Council, our local councillors for their support, and especially Sean Kennedy who helped all morning picking up litter around the village.
“Thanks also to Highland council for providing the litter pickers, gloves, bags and for removing the collected rubbish at the end of the day.
“There was a tremendous atmosphere, everyone helping each other, great enthusiasm, and terrific support all round. Many of the children said how much they enjoyed the day and hoped to do something similar in the near future - although one pupil did whisper, ‘this is far better than doing maths!’”
