Return of the green invader to Thurso
Register for free to read more of the latest local news. It's easy and will only take a moment.
After warning about algae growing on Thurso's boating pond a local activist has now turned his attention to another green invasion in the town – Japanese knotweed.
Alexander Glasgow, the town's self-styled community activist, is now setting his sights on the growing problem of the rapacious weed – an issue that was highlighted in the paper last year.
"Knotweed is an invasive species, and it is potentially actionable to wilfully allow its spread," he said. "I have seen other invasive species on the river walk which have become established through extended inattention."
Mr Glasgow sent pictures to the paper showing that, despite Highland Council's attempt to eradicate the plant, it is now "well-established" again along the banks of River Thurso. One image shows a bare patch of ground where the knotweed was in abundance until council workers tried to destroy the problem plant last year.
However, the "tenacious terror" – as Mr Glasgow calls it – has reemerged around the outskirts of the treated area and is also visible along further stretches of the river.
He added: "This is going to have to be treated for consecutive years. The first photograph is of the road bridge today which is well-established. This was the location Michael Thain flagged last year. The second photograph is at the Mill End. I don't recall it from before, and my supposition is that was carried on foot or grass-cutters."
Mr Glasgow said the problem could have been avoided if the council dealt with the matter promptly. He claims to have contacted Highland Council about the issue and is awaiting a response.
"It is not permitted wilfully to allow the spread of Japanese knotweed. Although it hasn't turned Japan into a wasteland, it has no natural predators here which means it grows unchecked and can grow up to four-inches a day. Its root system can descend up to two-feet laterally and its insidious nature can obliterate whole habitats and biodiversity."
Mr Glasgow said that the presence of Japanese knotweed can affect property prices and undermine buildings, so nearby landowners "would be justifiably concerned" at the council's delay in eradicating it. "Doing so generally requires several seasons of cutting and chemical treatment. Given how long it took them to act before, I am unsure when they intend to next, so have flagged it again."
River Thurso is a Site of Special Scientific Interest and apart from the knotweed there now appears to be another invasive species in the shape of white butterbur, he further said.
The green-fingered activist is well-known in Thurso for his work bringing colour to the town centre through rose planting and hanging baskets of flowers. His crowdfunding bid, Thurso in Colour, was a great success and achieved £105 more than the target of £500.
On the Thurso in Colour Facebook page, he wrote: "Everyone who donated £605 (minus processing fee), you are bloomin' marvellous." Though the crowdfunder is now complete, Mr Glasgow said that further cash donations to help him with his work would be gratefully accepted and can be handed in a sealed envelope marked "Thurso in Colour" to the Messy Nessy play centre on Rotterdam Street. All donations will be independently verified.
Highland Council was contacted to ask what steps would be taken to eradicate the Japanese knotweed at River Thurso but no answer was forthcoming at the time of going to press.
Related articles:
Unwelcome visitor in Thurso needs eradicated
Thurso flower appeal hits target thanks to £200 donation
