Barlocco Beach, south of Auchencairn, has recently been cleaned and 29 heli-lift bags, one cubic metre each, were filled with plastic waste and grouped along the beach ready for collection.
A helicopter on its way back to Fife lifted the bags and placed them into skips near Auchencairn.
The organisers said the logistics of the operation were complex and required intense planning over the last few months in order to ensure a smooth operation.
For the beach clean, the Eco Warriors were assisted by Rotary Clubs of Kirkcudbright, Dalbeattie, Dumfries Devorgilla and other volunteers. Meanwhile, the aircraft was provided by Skyhook Helicopters. Chief pilot Guy Stephens said: “The company was delighted to work with the Rotary and their partners and pleased to provide the “Overhead” solution to removal of plastic debris from such a challenging location.”
Laura Howieson, from Dumfries and Galloway Eco Warriors, added: “We have worked hard to get to this stage of the Barlocco clean-up and are delighted to be collaborating and working with the various Rotary Clubs involved, Solway Firth and Dumfries and Galloway Council.”
The carbon footprint of the operation has been assessed and will be offset by tree planting and wetland restoration.
