Friday 29 March 2024
 6°C   SSE Gentle Breeze
Ocean Kinetics - The Engineering Experts

News / Enjoy islands’ beaches – but ‘Dunna Chuck Bruck!’

The pile of rubbish collected at Sands of Sound in Lerwick on Saturday morning. Photo: Ali Grundon

AFTER a miserable run of weather in the past few months, no one could be blamed for taking to the beach for a bonfire during a short window of warmth and sunshine at the tail end of last week.

But one Lerwick dog walker came across an unfortunate by-product – piles of rubbish strewn around the Sands of Sound on Saturday morning.

Ali Grundon said she had enjoyed seeing so many people out enjoying the beach on Friday night. But the following morning when she was walking the dog, she noticed a host of discarded pizza boxes, crisp packets, bottles and cans lying “much higher than the tideline, and surrounding extinguished bonfires”.

Shetland Amenity Trust (SAT), which runs anti-litter initiative Dunna Chuck Bruck, is calling on islanders to make sure they enjoy Shetland’s natural environment in a responsible manner.

Ali said: “Leaving the beach like this not only means that others cannot enjoy the beach safely … but it poses severe threats to our marine life, wildlife, kids, dogs and planet.”

Luckily the beach revellers had left carrier bags behind so she was able to clean up the rubbish and dispose of it.

“When I’m leaving any place of nature, I always try and leave it looking like I was never there,” she said. “Perhaps even take a carrier in your pocket and pick up bits of rubbish that have washed up on the beach. That’s the way it should be. Respect our island and our planet!”

SAT environmental improvement officer Sita Hughson said it was “great that Ali not only cleared up the remnants of other people’s beach party, she also took the time to post photos on Facebook and remind us all about the importance of enjoying the outdoors responsibly”.

Her post has been shared more than 200 times, which Sita said demonstrated how much support there is for leaving “only footprints” behind after a trip to the beach.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

 

Sita said over 4,000 volunteers took part in Da Voar Redd Up, clearing local beaches of litter washed up during winter storms in time for the summer holidays and tourist season.

“The Redd Up makes an invaluable contribution to Shetland’s natural environment and wildlife so it’s a shame when people enjoying the beach leave harmful rubbish behind and spoil it for future beach-goers.

“Thankfully there are many people like Ali who appreciate and help to maintain Shetland’s varied and stunning coastline so that it can be enjoyed by others.”

In recent weeks anti-litter campaigners have been promoting the ‘Curse of Da Bruck Monster’ [see young fiddler of the year Bryden Priest falling victim to the curse below], a promotional film screening in Mareel, and Sita said that during that time they have been contacted by a number of people who have witnessed littering.

“We’ve been working closely with environmental health to trace litterers and have had some really successful outcomes,” she added. “We would also encourage anyone who witnesses littering to report it to environmental health on [01595] 745250. In the meantime we wish everyone a great summer – and Dunna Chuck Bruck!”

 

Become a supporter of Shetland News

Shetland News is asking its many readers to consider start paying for their dose of the latest local news delivered straight to their PC, tablet or mobile phone.

Journalism comes at a price and because that price is not being paid in today’s rapidly changing media world, most publishers - national and local - struggle financially despite very healthy audience figures.

Most online publishers have started charging for access to their websites, others have chosen a different route. Shetland News currently has  over 600 supporters  who are all making small voluntary financial contributions. All funds go towards covering our cost and improving the service further.

Your contribution will ensure Shetland News can: -

  • Bring you the headlines as they happen;
  • Stay editorially independent;
  • Give a voice to the community;
  • Grow site traffic further;
  • Research and publish more in-depth news, including more Shetland Lives features.

If you appreciate what we do and feel strongly about impartial local journalism, then please become a supporter of Shetland News by either making a single payment or monthly subscription.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.

 
Categories

Newsletters

Subscribe to a selection of different newsletters from Shetland News, varying from breaking news delivered on the minute, to a weekly round-up of the opinion posts. All delivered straight to your inbox.

Daily Briefing Newsletter Weekly Highlights Newsletter Opinion Newsletter Life in Shetland Newsletter

JavaScript Required

We're sorry, but Shetland News isn't fully functional without JavaScript enabled.
Head over to the help page for instructions on how to enable JavaScript on your browser.

Your Privacy

We use cookies on our site to improve your experience.
By using our service, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy.

Browser is out-of-date

Shetland News isn't fully functional with this version of .
Head over to the help page for instructions on updating your browser for more security, improved speed and the best overall experience on this site.

Interested in Notifications?

Get notifications from Shetland News for important and breaking news.
You can unsubscribe at any time.

Become a supporter of Shetland News

We're committed to ensuring everyone has equitable access to impartial, open and quality local journalism that benefits all residents.

By supporting Shetland News, you play a vital role in ensuring we remain a pivotal resource in supporting the community.

Support us from as little as £3 per month – it only takes a minute to sign up. Thank you.