MY TREASURE
He’s only 14 but alreadydy he’s become one of Scotland’s topop eco warriors and is battling to save Scotland’s precious resourcesrces for generations to come.
The schoolboy is makingg waves around the island and beyondyond as he campaigns to preserve Arran’s overfished and damaged seabed. eabed.
He insists he’s not a “green freak” but just someone who cares deeply about the place in which he was born.
Luke said: “I was horrified when I heard what was happening on Arran.
“You see above the water how beautiful it is. But I’ve seen so many pictures and videos from below and it’s disgusting.
“It’s good to know I’m doing something good to help.”
It was an accidental arm break that brought Luke to Community of Arran Seabed Trust (Coast), whose efforts are boosting morale, replenishing stocks and helping improve conditions in the Firth of Clyde. Despite his tender limp and lifeless and in desperate need of regeneration.
Now, a No Take Zone has been set up around Lamlash Bay, where fishing is banned and the trawlers can’t get near.
Luke said: “Everything was destroyed. Coast have a protected area around the bay and it’s been rebuilt.
“Everyone knows not to fish there and everyone supports it because it’s close to everyone’s heart.
“You can see the change. The water is full of life and that’s starting to crawl outside the No Take Zone now too.”
Such is the success of the project that Coast are working to extend the zone to others parts of the island. And Luke will be drumming up as much support as he can. He’s already appeared in YouTube videos, sits on Coast’s advisory panel, volunteers at gala weeks and travels to Highland fairs and farming festivals. His dedication is paying dividends, with some of his friends already coming on side. He said: “My friends didn’t care at the start. Most teena thing
“I t suppo I’m he
“Bu saw h you d get inv now t
Uns left hi young
Ma said: meeti him.
“He