PICTURES: Pupils praised for ‘huge commitment’ after Noss express litter-pick
Pupils at Noss Primary School were praised for their willingness to “get stuck in” as they took part in their first express litter-pick.
The session tied in with a series of activities being led by the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council as part of Spring Clean Scotland, running this year from March 21 until April 21.
The annual campaign is run by the environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful.
More than 300 pupils and staff at Noss joined forces on Tuesday to tidy the school and surrounding areas on the north side of Wick. They were supported by Allan Bruce, vice-chairman of the community council and organiser of the town’s Spring Clean Scotland activities.
Head teacher Fraser Thomson praised the energy and enthusiasm of all who took part.
“Picking up litter is not a glamorous job,” Mr Thomson said. “The pupils have demonstrated a huge commitment and desire to maintain a clean and tidy community.
“While the event was a huge success, it was disappointing to collect so much litter and rubbish around the surrounding areas of our grounds. We as a school and ELC community are keen to encourage proper disposal of items such as food packaging, cans and cigarette butts.
“Furthermore, there is a recycling centre adjacent to our grounds and we hope to raise awareness of this to encourage others to dispose of waste appropriately.
“We are extremely grateful to Allan Bruce, who supported the event by providing equipment and helping out in the Noss grounds.
“We at Noss are keen to encourage the community to play a part and keep the area clean and tidy. The express idea can be really powerful, as we witnessed here.”
Mr Thomson suggested that anyone wishing to help can use an ordinary plastic bag and carry out a 20-minute tidy-up in a chosen location or take part in one of the two remaining Spring Clean Scotland events being held by the community council and Wick Paths Group.
These are on Sunday, April 6, at the airport industrial estate and nearby forest area (meeting behind Sutherland Brothers’ premises), and on Sunday, April 20, covering general areas around Wick (meeting at the riverside car park). They start at 10am.
Mr Bruce said: “I was delighted to be asked along to Noss Primary School to take part in their first-ever express litter-pick.
“It was great to see the pupils’ enthusiasm to get stuck in and involved. The glorious weather certainly helped.
“Initially it looked as if the playground and surrounding area was quite clear of rubbish – but it was amazing what was trapped up against the fences, bushes and trees.
“On behalf of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council I would like to thank all the pupils and staff at Noss for getting involved in this year’s Spring Clean Scotland.
“I will register their event on the Keep Scotland Beautiful website along with the others that have been organised in the area.”
The community council’s first Spring Clean Scotland session of 2025, on March 23, focused on the area around the Grizzly Park and South Head.
Thirty-two people got involved, including members of Wick Paths Group and Wick Flowers as well as pupils and staff from Newton Park Primary School.
The rubbish they gathered filled 64 black bags and larger items included two trikes and one wheelless bike.
In 2024, over 45,000 volunteers took part in Spring Clean Scotland across all 32 local authorities.
In September last year, Mr Bruce was awarded a Clean Up Scotland Hero award by Keep Scotland Beautiful for his efforts to keep the town litter-free.
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