Clean-up kids lead by example

THE achievements of Wester Ross children who helped spearhead a crackdown on damaging plastic will be used to highlight the benefits of different interest groups working together.

The Sea Life, Our Life forum being held in Ullapool on October 15 will look at how communities, sea industries and businesses can bring benefits to the marine environment and coastal communities by acting together.

Wester Ross-based Noel Hawkins, Scottish Wildlife Trust Living Seas project officer, said: "Through my work I’ve seen what a huge difference people working together can make, from the youngsters who successfully persuaded Ullapool businesses to ban plastic straws to the dedicated volunteers who help to clean up marine litter.

"The success of the west coast snorkel trail has shown how much people value our magnificent west coast seas and what an asset they are to our coastal communities. We’re hoping that a broad range of people will be interested in coming along to the conference, and developing ideas for future action."

The Highland Environment Forum will also hear from Alisa McLellan, who will be talking about her local business Ockran Oysters and Suz Henderson on the secret life of basking sharks.