It is hard to ignore the fact that the shores of the Outer Hebrides are getting dirtier, more plastics, more visible and even more worrying, more invisible pollution. My original aim was to do a little fundraising in order to charter boats to reach the less accessible shores of the Isle of Lewis. However, following my postings on Facebook on Saturday 10th December 2017 copied below, the response was so fantastic, so enthusiastic and simply brimming with good ideas that I have set my sights a bit higher.
Janet Marshall, December 2017
“Before we all watch Blue Planet 2 tomorrow have a think about this: I’ve been approached to form a group to help clean the shores of this island especially less accessible places that will need for us to charter boats etc. In the New Year I’ll be calling a meeting of interested folk to help work out the who, how, when, why and where.
I’ll be posting in local FB groups, contacting local media, putting out posters, talking to various sources of advice and funding and generally trying to maximise interest that this wonderful BBC series has generated. In the meantime please have a think about this, let me know your ideas and SHARE Share share”.
Original post in Western Isles Community Noticeboard Facebook page and elsewhere.
• Being an umbrella group for beach clean ups throughout the islands.
• Signage, grabbers and waste separation at the main beaches.
• Protective equipment, lifejackets, survival suits.
• Campaigning for the islands to become free of plastic straws (Ullapool can do it - so can we)
• Linking in with Estates and Community groups.
• Co-ordination with Comhairle nan Eileen Siar’s Cleansing Department.
• Education: Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle.
• Linking in with Salmon Growers and the Fishing industry to reduce pollution including dumped fish (currently a problem in Loch Erisort among others).
• Educating and encouraging visitors to behave more environmentally responsibility including dealing with camper van waste disposal issues.
• Mobilising groups such as the Scouts etc.
• Publicising what we do at the Hebridean Celtic Festival .
• Get some high profile people/celebrities on board.
• Lots of fundraising.
• Insurance.
• Register as a charity.
And thats just for starters!
Some of the litter gathered from Traigh Mhor, North Tolsta recently, there was more but they couldn’t carry it. Logistics of moving the litter will need major consideration.
Image by Alison Mc Fox
Collections of litter are to be co-ordinated with the Cleansing Department of Comhairle nan Eileen Star CnES, and they may be able to provide skips, gloves etc.