Dunbeath volunteers pick up 100 bags of A9 litter
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A voluntary litter-picking campaign led by a Dunbeath couple resulted in 100 bin bags of rubbish being collected within a month from alongside the A9.
John and Kathleen Gunn covered a 15-mile stretch from the Ord of Caithness to Latheronwheel during March, filling their bags with items that had been carelessly discarded along the verges.
The public-spirited pair decided to start their clean-up endeavours after going for regular lockdown walks in the Dunbeath area.
John, a retired Highland Council planning technician, explained: "I'm a believer in having a purpose sometimes when you're doing things.
“We went to the top of the Ord and took the car and the trailer every day and we just did a section in the morning and a section in the afternoon, weather permitting.
“We parked in a lay-by and then one person would go one way and the other person would come the other way and just worked at it like that. The biggest amount we had in one day was 19 bags."
They found that the worst section was on the south brae at Berriedale. As a result, a wheelie bin is being returned to this popular stopping area in a bid to reduce further litter.
John (72) and Kathleen (70) wore high-vis jackets and armed themselves with plastic bags and litter-grabbers. During the four-week initiative they were joined by local volunteers including Janice Grant, Margaret Sutherland and Hugh and Dee Macleod.
The rubbish consisted largely of cans, plastic bottles and papers.
The couple received many waves and honks on vehicle horns from people who were keen to show their appreciation as they passed by.
"A few times a car would stop and people would thank Kathleen for what we were doing," John said. "That puts a spring in your step."
John, who is secretary of Berriedale and Dunbeath Community Council, is keen to urge those using the road to show consideration for the environment.
“Years ago we called it Bonnie Scotland. Now it's an insult to say it's Bonnie Scotland," he said. "There is no need for it."
Highland councillor Willie Mackay, who travels the A9 frequently on essential agricultural duties, praised the couple's efforts.
He said: “There is a marked difference on the roadside now – it is looking very tidy and litter-free. I have nothing but praise for John and Kathleen whose idea it was to tidy up this busy roadside and the volunteers that joined them along the way.
"The littering of our roadsides has been an ongoing problem. It is unsightly and it spoils our environment – it is very disappointing that some people can't take their rubbish home with them."
