Big beach-clean effort is working wonders

By Jenny Morrison

Published: 21 March, 2008

COASTAL communities around Ross-shire are being urged to make a splash and get involved with keeping local beaches clean.

The message from Moray Firth Partnership (MFP) followed the publication of a report into its three-year long Beach Guardian project, which revealed that more than 10 tons of rubbish was removed from shores around Ross-shire and the Moray Firth.

Dozens of volunteers from local schools and communities declared war on waste after being enlisted for the Beach Guardians programme, part funded with £45,000 from Talisman Energy (UK) Limited, and the organisers of MFP are eager for communities to keep up the good work.

The focus of the ongoing project is to change the attitudes and behaviour towards litter picking, and more than 2,000 people have already taken part in reducing litter around the local coastline.

The MFP office has three marine litter packs available for loan, which include marine litter pickers, gloves, bags and all the essentials for carrying out a beach clean.

Richard Cross of Nigg and Shandwick Community Council said his council has promoted beach clean-ups on the Nigg beach for some years, and it was always the same few volunteers who came out.

"When Talisman Energy volunteered to sponsor the event, and we had all the necessary equipment, there was a surge in interest and a sizeable band of enthusiastic volunteers turned out. It was great to work with the Talisman people and to get to know them.

John Mitchell (centre), terminal manager at Nigg oil terminal, on the beach with Moray Firth Partnership director George Dobbie and project officer Frances Bell.

"In a few short hours the beach and sand dunes were transformed, and of course, it was a great way to develop good neighbour relations," he said.

Environmental manager for Talisman Energy (UK) Limited, Jan Rusin, said, "We were enthusiastic supporters of the Beach Guardians project from the moment we heard about it, and the staff at the Nigg Oil Terminal intend to keep the beach clean as part of their annual calendar of events.

"We all have a responsibility, whether it be corporate or individual, to be good citizens.

"Making our coastline a safe and pleasant place for all its inhabitants is a fantastic example of how we can work together to achieve a common goal."

To borrow a marine litter picker pack contact the MFP on 01463 725027.