Rachael Hamilton MSP took part in the annual Great British Beach Clean this weekend at Eyemouth Beach to highlight the damage that plastic pollution is causing to marine life.
She was joined by a team of volunteers who had given up time on their weekends to pick litter along the Borders’ Coast.
Plastic pollution poses significant problems for marine life due to its size and inability to biodegrade. Items found on the beach at Eyemouth ranged from broken glass to plastic bottles. This year saw the addition of disposable masks to the list of items found washed up on the shores.
The annual Great British Beach Clean, organised by the Marine Conservation Society, has been leading the way in tackling ocean pollution for 27 years. They have made important contributions to waste policy too, advocating for the plastic bag charge, banning microplastics in personal care products, better wet wipe labelling, and supporting a tax on single-use plastic items.
Beach cleans are taking place between 17th-26rd September all across the UK.
Ms Hamilton would like to thank all the volunteers for their hard work on the various beach cleans and wants to take the opportunity to emphasise how important it is to take litter home and recycle whenever possible.
Rachael Hamilton, MSP for Ettrick, Roxburgh and Berwickshire said:
“The Great British Beach Clean is a roaring success every year, but it emphasises just how far we still have to go to reduce our impact on the planet.
“The Great British Beach Clean is more than just a clean-up. Every year, amazing volunteers pick litter to help protect marine wildlife.
“I want to thank everyone for their hard work, as every small act can make a large difference if we all play our part.
“When enjoying our beautiful Berwickshire coast, please think twice about littering”.
Alex Pearson, General Manager of Eyemouth Holiday Park, said:
“It was fantastic to join Saturday’s Great British Beach Clean and volunteers from Eyemouth Holiday Park were out on the beach collecting litter.
“Berwickshire beaches are beautiful, and we want to keep them that way.
“We kindly ask people to remember to take their litter home, so everyone can enjoy and appreciate them”.