Spring clean recognition

Shetland has won the National Spring Clean Quaich, awarded by Keep Scotland Beautiful in recog­nition of the tremendous success of their efforts. A total of 4,157 people from Shetland participated in clean up events during April as part of Keep Scotland Beautiful’s National Spring Clean 2009 and Da Voar Redd Up – the highest percentage participation per head of population (at 19 per cent) when compared to any other area across Scotland.

The Shetland Amenity Trust, sup­ported by Shetland Islands Council, encouraged many individuals to get involved in the campaign, with local community councils and BP prov­iding funding.

Keep Scotland Beautiful chief executive John Summers said: “The sheer number of people who volun­teered to really make a difference to their own area is staggering. We are extremely grateful to the Shetland Amenity Trust and Shetland Council for geeing up enthusiasm in the event, and to all the volunteers for taking part.

“While we are delighted that so many people got involved with this year’s clean up event, unfortunately until littering becomes socially un­acceptable the underlying problem – litter on our streets, beaches and open spaces – will continue and com­munity clean up events will still be necessary, both to raise awareness of the issue and to make a difference and actually remove litter.”

Councillor Jim Henry, the SIC environment spokesman, said: “I am pleased to see so many people in Shet­land once again taking part in Shetland’s annual spring clean, Da Voar Redd Up.

“This award recognises the effort and commitment of Shetland’s peo­ple to maintain the pristine environ­ment of the Shetland Islands. On behalf of Shetland Amenity Trust, Shetland Islands Council, spon­sors and the people of Shetland I am delighted to receive this award.”