Scottish Sea Farms backs beach clean blitz for fifth year

For the fifth year running, Scottish Sea Farms is taking part in the Great British Beach Clean, helping to clear debris from the coastline around Orkney.

Joining their colleagues in Shetland and the Scottish mainland in clearing rubbish, in Orkney, the salmon farming company’s staff will be out in force this Friday.

Teams will be working at the fourth Churchill Barrier and Echna Loch Bay, both in Burray, from 8.30am to 11.30am, and at Weyland Bay in Kirkwall, from 1.30pm to 3pm.

The mass clean-up, involving Scottish Sea Farms staff and open to family, friends and members of the public, is overseen nationwide by the Marine Conservation Society (MCS).

Not only will the beach clean teams be removing litter, but they will also be recording what they find, so the MCS can compile a national database to help inform and shape future policy around protecting our shores.

The MCS said the data collated has been used to make a positive impact on our oceans, contributing to environmental advances such as the introduction of the plastic bag charge, banning microplastics in personal care products, better wet wipe labelling, and supporting a tax on single-use plastic items.

This year’s event runs from Friday, September 16, to Sunday, September 25, and includes eight Scottish Sea Farms beach cleans that family, friends and the general public can register to join 

Scottish Sea Farms environmental scientist Kirsty Brown, who led the company’s very first participation in the Great British Beach Clean back in 2018, said she was proud to be supporting the campaign for a fifth consecutive year.

“It’s great to see participation in the event having grown over the years, both within the company itself and around the UK.

“Whether you live or work by the coast, or simply enjoy visiting, it’s in everyone’s interests to help keep local shores clear of debris and also do what we can to identify the main sources and how to limit them.”

To register to join one of the Scottish Sea Farms’ beach cleans in Orkney, search for the beach clean most convenient to you here then look for the ‘Sign-up’ button.

You’ll also find details of where to meet, what will be provided by Scottish Sea Farms and what to bring.