People across Orkney have supported environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful’s annual Spring Clean with 14 litter picks taking place.

Between 15 March and 28 April more than 45,000 people from every local authority area across Scotland joined forces to take part in litter picks, gather data and to raise awareness of our litter emergency.

Across Scotland the volunteer efforts included:

• 567 litter picks with businesses
• 357 litter picks on beaches, rivers and canals
• 967 litter picks led by community groups.
• 399 litter picks involving schools, young people and educators.

Barry Fisher, Chief Executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said:

“Although 90% of people agree litter is a problem across our beautiful country, what is inspiring is just how many thousands of people have played their part and enthusiastically joined a litter picking event during #SpringCleanScotland – an increase in 15,000 people from last year.

“I’d sincerely like to thank everyone in Orkney who took part in these events, giving up their time and showing just how much they care about keeping Scotland beautiful. Every effort to tackle the litter emergency is extremely appreciated.”

Spring Clean Scotland is Keep Scotland Beautiful’s annual challenge to tackle Scotland’s litter emergency, and follows the publication of the Scottish Litter Survey which found that seven in 10 people believe litter is a problem locally and 85% of people want to see more efforts to prevent litter in their area.

The 2024 Spring Clean report can be found at: Our reports and publications | Keep Scotland Beautiful