The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Litter blight prompts charity’s campaign to protect top beauty spot
Anorth-east conservation charity is bolstering its efforts to tackle the rubbish being left on one of Aberdeenshire’s most popular attractions, Bennachie.
In recent months the hillside and forest have been blighted by a minority of visitors who have left waste strewn across the landscape over the past 12 months.
As lockdown begins to ease, the Bailies of Bennachie group – which helps care for and protect the beauty spot – is launching a new anti-litter campaign to raise awareness of the problem.
Bailies trustee Alex Doig told the P&J: “There has been an increase in litter at Bennachie in the last year and with lockdown being lifted soon, it’s anticipated that it will increase even further.
“Just a few weeks ago, I walked around the forest and filled three quarters of an 80-litre bag with all sorts of rubbish such as tin cans, glass bottles, medical gloves and plastic tubs, and this is quite worrying.
“Protecting such beauty spots is of utmost importance.”
Over the next few weeks, volunteers will collaborate with a number of organisations, including Keep Scotland Beautiful, Zero Waste Scotland, the Bennachie Visitor Centre and local schools.
Mr Doig said: “We would like people to get involved, to make suggestions and tell us what they think so we can really drum up the enthusiasm for it and get as many people looking after the hill as we can.”
The charity also plans to create a new Jock O’ Bennachie story to engage children.
It will also take part in Keep Scotland Beautiful’s summer clean-up between May 28 and June 20.
Heather McLaughlin, campaign officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “It is reassuring that there are so many community groups across Scotland who are keen to stamp out litter.”
An Aberdeenshire Council spokesperson said: “We support the Bailies of Bennachie with their antilittering campaign.
“We request that visitors leave no trace of their visit by taking away all litter and dog waste.
Anyone who wishes to get involved can find further information on the group’s web page and contact the Bailies of Bennachie at outreach@ bailiesofbennachie.co.uk