Thurso boating pond cleared of algal bloom

Community advocate Alexander Glasgow is helping improve the look of Thurso boating pond with a little help from a work party of volunteers.

Last Sunday he took the work party from the "aquatic division of Litterpick Caithness" to clear Thurso boating pond of an algal bloom.

He said: "Thanks to all who came, including Iain Elder for finding helpers, SB Access Scaffolding for providing netting to scoop it out, Tesco in the Community and the Park Hotel for snacks, and Highland Council for agreeing to uplift."

He asks if one of the helpers may inadvertently taken a new stainless steel rake as it needs to be returned to SB Access.

"Pentland Model Boat Club has been consigned to port for some weeks. Bluehealth has been improved inmeasurably in what could be a major nature spot right on the NC500. After a similar clear in 2021, aquatic life quickly returned."

He says that the use of barley straw is an "effective and ecologically gentle way" to control algae.

"It has suffered from poor water flow for some years including the water gate entering the culvert from the burn being restricted. I will be arranging more barley straw. Other commodity-led groups are seeking to improve greenhealth through major funding applications."

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