Cairnbulg Beach-Clean Highlighted

Three organisations based in the North-east are joining forces this month to highlight the problems caused by marine litter and are seeking volunteers to help take action to clear an Aberdeenshire beach.

Aberdeenshire Council, KIMO UK and the Scottish Fishermen’s Federation have organised a beach clean at Cairnbulg between 11.00am-3.00pm on Sunday 20 September to coincide with the Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Cleaning Weekend.

The event is supported by a host of industry bodies including Fraserburgh Harbour, Scottish Fishermen’s Organisation, Aberdeen Fish Producers Organisation, Skippers Choice, Lunar, Caley Fisheries and food suppliers Brakes.

The rocky foreshore and sandy beach at Cairnbulg attract large numbers of birds throughout the year which feast on the insects amongst the mounds of kelp.

The beach is also home to the shipwreck of the Banff-registered Sovereign, a fishing vessel that ran aground in December 2005, images of which were used in promotional materials for 2012 film Life of Pi.

More recently however, increased litter on the beach is causing concern with rubber boots, plastic bags and bottles among the rubbish being found there.

Cairnbulg SNP councillor and Chair of the council’s Fisheries Working Group Charles Buchan said:

“Cairnbulg is a very special fishing village, set in a conservation zone, in beautiful surroundings, and its beach and rocky foreshore should not be diminished by unsightly deposits of seaborne litter.

“I would urge everyone to join the families of the villages in some fresh air exercise, and at the same time make a contribution to the community, as well as enjoying socialising at the barbeque, which will be held as a ‘thank you’ to those taking part.”

Chairman of Aberdeenshire Council’s Infrastructure Services Committee, Cllr David Aitchison, said:

“Aberdeenshire’s beaches are some of the most beautiful in the country and we want to keep them that way.

“Marine litter is not only an eyesore but kills thousands of sea birds, fish and mammals ever year and can cause significant environmental damage.

“By supporting this event at Cairnbulg, you will also be taking part in the Marine Conservation Society’s Great British Beach Clean weekend and you will not only improve the local environment but help take a great step in reducing the harm done to our wildlife by marine litter.”

Chairman of KIMO UK, Cllr Raymond Christie, said:

“If doing your bit for the environment isn’t enough, our generous sponsors will be supplying over 40kg of seafood for a complimentary barbeque taking place as a thank you to volunteers taking part in the beach clean.

“Everyone is welcome and equipment, including gloves, will be provided, so please do come along and help us clear up Cairnbulg!”

Children under the age of 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

As part of KIMO’s Fishing for Litter initiative, fishing vessels in Scotland have already voluntarily removed more than 870 tonnes of marine litter from Scotland’s seas and landed it at participating ports for safe disposal, helping stop the litter from reaching the beaches in the first place.