A RISING tide of litter is blighting Dumfries and Galloway’s beaches, according to new figures.
The data from the Marine Conservation Society’s 2024 report shows a 287 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of litter items per 100 metres of beach.
Of the items washed or left on beaches there were: 41 items of sewage-related debris per 100 metres – one of the highest rates of any local authority.
And the south west corner of Scotland had 45 items of drink-related litter per 100 metres, the third highest in Scotland.
The shock statistics have prompted calls for an effective deposit return scheme and packaging reform from Galloway and West MSP Finlay Carson. Speaking in a members’ debate at Holyrood, Mr Carson said: “I know that much of that litter comes straight from the A75 which wynds its way along the Solway coast for much of its length.
“This is not a problem we can clean our way out of. While volunteer efforts are vital, we must also adopt bold policy measures – such as embracing a circular economy and phasing out single-use plastic items like wet wipes, cotton buds, cutlery and straws.”
He insisted groups like ON US in Dumfries and Galloway were making a real difference locally, the MSP continued: “Just recently, a dozen volunteers tackled marine litter at Port Logan, Morrach Bay, and along the coastline near Stranraer.
“Their efforts are nothing short of inspiring. Another stand-out initiative is the Solway Coast and Marine Project, which aims to restore vital coastal and shallow sea habitats along all 210 kilometres of the Dumfries and Galloway coastline – from Gretna to the Rhins of Galloway.
“This project, led by the Dumfries and Galloway Council Environment Team and the Solway Firth Partnership, is supported by NatureScot, the Scottish Government, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“Their mission is to restore, salt-marshes, seagrass beds, and coastal woodlands and, last but not least, native oyster beds, of which I am the parliament’s nature champion.”
“ I am also encouraged to see that the local authority are considering the introduction of mechanical beach cleaning equipment for beaches in Wigtownshire.”
