More than 100 bags of rubbish collected in Wick's first two Spring Clean events
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Well over 100 bags of rubbish have been collected in the first two Wick litter-picking sessions as part of Spring Clean Scotland 2023.
Volunteers got to work around the harbour and South Head on Sunday, March 19, then tackled the area around Wick Airport Industrial Estate the following week.
The town's final event is on Sunday, April 16, when volunteers are asked to meet at the riverside car park, opposite the Norseman Hotel, at 10am.
The Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council (RBWCC) is leading the initiative locally with support from Wick Paths Group.
Organiser Allan Bruce, vice-chairman of the paths group and a member of the community council, gave an update at the RBWCC monthly meeting this week.
He pointed out that he had received letters from far north politicians Jamie Stone and Maree Todd, MP and MSP respectively, thanking all the volunteers for their hard work and for what they are doing to enhance the community.
Mr Bruce said it was clear that in some parts of the town it would be beneficial to have bin hooks to prevent lids falling open and allowing litter to spill out when recycling bins are blown over.
“In the first week we did the harbour area and out towards the Trinkie and we had 58 bags of rubbish," he told fellow community councillors on Monday.
“The following week we were up at the industrial estate and we had 57 bags. I have to say it wasn't as bad as it was last year.
"For some reason, the drag going up toward the archive and airport was particularly bad again – the trees catch it all. From the type of litter that we're picking up, it can only come from the recycling bins.
“We've had good engagement so far. We had 22 people at the first one and we had 21 people at the second one.
"The third and final event is going to be happening on April 16. Businesses have got involved and Wick High School should be getting involved.”
Mr Bruce added: "I think it's great seeing how everybody is coming together. There is no doubt about it, we are making a difference to the town and there are a lot of individuals doing it as well."
Spring Clean Scotland is run by the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful and takes place from March 17 until April 17.
