PICTURES: Thurso weedbusters cut a swathe across the town and seek official charity status
Members of the recently formed Thurso Beach Action Group (TBAG) have been hard at work over the past few weeks, with an "amazing transformation" of public areas across the town and have plans to seriously develop the group as a registered charity.
The weedbusting volunteers want to “greatly increase” their workload, with the intention being "to enhance, maintain and improve the appearance and enjoyment” of all public areas within Thurso, including the beach, esplanade, riverside and town itself, with “accessibility for all as a priority".
The group was formed in the summer by former Thurso Community Councillor Corinne Nicklin, who was deeply concerned about the condition of not only the Esplanade and Victoria Walk, but also the town in general, affecting both locals and visitors alike; she decided prompt action was needed.
Willing volunteers swiftly came forward, and hundreds of hours of work have been put in, with very satisfying results, and "tremendous" support from the public.
Mrs Nicklin said: "What motivated me to start our group was seeing the marked decline in the most scenic areas of our town. We are experiencing an increase in cruise ships, and I was ashamed at what the tourists had to negotiate, with overgrown weeds hindering access to beaches, walking paths and scenic viewpoints, giving an impression of neglect and lack of pride in our town.
"I put out a call on social media, highlighting the worst areas, and asking for like-minded people to join me. From there, our amazing team came together. We have gone from strength to strength, weeding and tidying most of the areas locals and tourists frequent. The positive support and feedback we have had from the public and visitors has been amazing, really spurring us on. We all enjoy our weekly get-togethers and have benefited greatly from making new friends and feeling like we have made a real difference to our town.”
TBAG member Laurence Campbell added: "I have made over a dozen new friends, and the camaraderie in our group is absolutely incredible. I love getting together to weed and tidy wherever we can and look forward to an amazing future as an official charity.”
Iain Gregory is well-known locally for his work with the Caithness Roads Recovery group and is also a member of the weedbusting team. "We are deeply grateful for the tremendous support we have received from the public, and wish to express our thanks to all involved,” he said.
“We were delighted to receive a very generous grant of £500 from the Rita Stewart Trust to buy tools and equipment, with much appreciated assistance in our application being given by Mark at Munro and Noble Solicitors.
“Members greatly enjoyed – and needed – the massages so kindly provided by Tina Raeburn from Beautiful Minds Matter, happily consumed the delicious fish suppers provided by Highland Haddy, and were refreshed by the countless cups of tea and coffee which people have produced when we were in definite need.
"We have a fantastic team of friends, with an extensive range of skills, and we intend to do the absolute best we can for the town."
At a recent TBAG meeting, members decided that a formally constituted group should be set up, and paperwork is currently being completed with the intention of registering as a charity, with numerous plans for local projects and works being discussed.
The group has a Facebook page (www.facebook.com/groups/1445370710227522/) and regularly reports about its activities on Thurso Community Real (www.facebook.com/groups/956443552107479).
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