Waste warriors initiative launched in Arrochar and Tarbet

A new ‘Waste Warriors’ campaign has been launched in Arrochar and Tarbet.

A joint launch event last week saw schoolchildren picking litter while Loch Lomond cruise boat customers were offered bags for recyclable waste.

Aimed at visitors to the area and supporting them to collected their rubbish responsibly, the initiative has set up collection points at Cruise Loch Lomond, Tarbet Village Shop.

It is run by Destination Arrochar Alps, with sponsors including the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs,Cruise Loch Lomond.

Chairperson of the group Jane Ireland welcomed the initiative and thanked the sponsors for their contribution.

“Waste is a global problem,” she said.

“This is a positive step to tackling the issue.

“We welcome and thank all who attended the litter pick – great to see such a focussed and organised group of young people.

“Special thanks must go to vice chairperson Christian Sanchez for her tireless work to highlight the plight of marine waste.

“We were also honoured to have the Lord Provost of Glasgow attend and help collect litter.

“More events will follow soon.”

Glasgow Lord Provost Philip Braat joined children from Sunnyside Primary School in a project to clearing litter at the head of Loch Long, which was organised by Christina Sanchez.

Jane Ireland said the rubbish would be collected by three newly-appointed wardens, while new bins are planned.

The initiatives, together with new information and map panels, are funded by a £90,000 grant from Nature Scot – Jane said the bid was put together by four volunteers over eight weeks.

Destination Arrochar Alps, the Friends of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs and the Arrochar and Tarbet Community Development Trust joined up to provide more facilities after problems caused by last year’s huge increase in ‘staycation’ holidays.

“We’re branding it as the heart of the national park,” said Jane.

“We are applying for more eco funding to get more of these initiatives going and really regenerate Arrochar and Tarbet then just take it forwards from there.”

It is estimated that 300,000 people visit the Tarbet pier car park alone every year, and there were 30 camper vans parked on a Saturday night earlier this month.