Ninth Annual Ayrshire Rotary Beach Clean Sat 28 March 2015
In the space of three hours on a gale-driven Saturday morning, 190 volunteers – members of Ayr, Alloway, Prestwick, Troon and Girvan Rotary Clubs helped by Cub Scouts from St Columba’s Ayr, Guides from Prestwick, and Scouts from Troon, young people from South Ayrshire Befrienders and many members of the public – took part in Ninth Annual Rotary beach clean to remove a massive total of 528 bags of rubbish from 19 miles of South Ayrshire beaches along the Ayrshire Coastal Path. (www.ayrshirecoastalpath.org)
The Rotary clubs were delighted to have so many enthusiastic young people taking part and coming to the rescue of this year’s Beach Clean when many of their elders were reluctant to venture out in such foul weather.
Troon Club cleared 50 bags from Barassie Beach, Prestwick uplifted 105 bags to the Pow Burn, Alloway removed 60 bags from Doonfoot to Craig Tara, and Girvan Club took 35 bags from the seafront. As well as cleaning-up Bentfield and Seafield foreshores, Ayr Rotary Club led small teams of helpers down to the remote beautiful beaches of Bracken Bay, Dunure, North Croy, and Dipple Shore, and collected a further 278 bags.
Though this is a magnificent result, there is no room for complacency. Several miles of beautiful walking beach between Troon and Girvan have never been cleaned due to lack of numbers, and we desperately need even more keen fit volunteers willing to go that extra mile. Perhaps some of the many walkers and rambling groups who use and enjoy the Ayrshire Coastal Path might be keen to assist us next year.
It is sobering to think that over the last 9 years, on just one morning, the local Rotary Clubs have removed 6900 bags of rubbish from South Ayrshire beaches. It is also sad to reflect that every single plastic bag or bottle, broken toy, car tyre, discarded net or warp, drum-full of fishing boat sump oil, fertiliser bag, builders’ polythene – probably 150,000 items – was there as a result of a litter offence committed by some thoughtless member of the general public or passing boat.
We are all – both general public and politicians – the custodians of a uniquely beautiful Ayrshire coastline – and it is up to us all to take action ensure that it remains beautiful.
Meantime, Ayr Rotary Club would like to thank all volunteers who took part in litter-picking; the farmers, caravan park, and National Trust of Scotland staff who transported the rubbish to collection points; and especially South Ayrshire Council, who provided bags and litter-picker tongs – and a most helpful staff who ensured the smooth and efficient collection and disposal of all the rubbish collected. A great all-round team effort.