The ongoing battle against plastic in our oceans and shorelines has been uppermost in our thoughts since BBC’s Blue Planet 2, and startling images of a sea horse with its tail wrapped around a cotton bud. 
In Millport, a new Cumbrae Eco Group has been formed and will be doing regular beach cleans throughout the year, and the ‘News’ was invited to its first event on Kames Bay.
Pamela Fleming, one of the co-ordinators said: “We filled eight bin liners in an hour and 15 minutes...In order of volume.. fishing line, nylon rope, small pieces of fishing net, plastic cotton bud sticks,bottle tops, plastic tampon applicators, plastic bags, polythene bags, and plastic bottles.
The beach cleans will be regular throughout the year, and Pamela pointed out that they hope that they provide awareness to not just the wider community.
Pamela said: “It will be all year round, and we hope that tourists see us and possibly even get involved.”Luigi Giorgetti added: “If we start all doing our bit now, we can help clean our shores, as otherwise, what kind of legacy are we going to leave behind for the next generation, and the next generation after that?”
Luigi also issued advice on behalf of Cumbrae Coastguard regards the danger of maritime distress flares and ordnance which may have washed up on the beach.
Go to facebook.com/CumbraeEcoWatch/