During a speech in Parliament on Wednesday, Rachael Hamilton MSP hailed the success of the Great Borders River Clean.
In her speech, she thanked the 460 members of the public who volunteered to participate in the initiative which saw over 3 tonnes of rubbish removed from the River Tweed in May.
Mrs Hamilton gave particular thanks to GreenTweed Eco, founded by Melrose teacher Tom Rawson, for organising the event, supported by the Fallago Environment Fund and recognised their ability to tap in to the spirit of the Borders community in addressing an important issue.
The importance of this work was highlighted by Mrs Hamilton, mentioning the damage that plastic pollution has done to rivers in the Borders. She pointed out that the problem was man-made, and that the responsibility to fix it, therefore, lies with us.
Her motion to parliament also highlighted the work of volunteers around the country. The initiative finished just before the 37th celebration of ‘volunteers’ week’ where the work of volunteers is recognised.
Mrs Hamilton gave her thanks not just to those involved in the Great Borders River Clean, but to volunteers around the country for giving up their time to selflessly contribute to their communities.
Rachael Hamilton MSP said:
“The Great Borders River Clean is a wonderful project that organises regular, large-scale river clean-ups throughout the Scottish Borders.”
“Residents from towns and villages across my constituency and along the rivers and streams across the Borders take part in the river clean, which is predominantly of the area surrounding the River Tweed and its major tributaries. All the rubbish that is collected is disposed of responsibly.”
“It is important that we have cleaner rivers for the sake of the wildlife that have made them their home. As a lot of the problem is man-made, it is up to us to do something about it.”
“In my motion, I was delighted to mention the annual volunteers week, which showcases the best of giving back to the communities where we live.”
Mr Rawson said:
“Events like the Great Borders River Clean really hold up a mirror to our habits. Unlike a beach clean where one can point the finger at someone else for the rubbish washed up on your shore there really is no one else to blame. We are both the cause and the solution of this huge problem and it has been heartening to see so many people involved.”