Field Studies Centre chief Daniel Moncreiff has spoken about the positive effects to Millport’s marine environment as a result of the 5p carrier bag charge introduced last year.

The Scottish Parliament passed legislation requires all retailers, food and non-food outlets, to charge a minimum of 5p for each new single-use carrier bag, including paper, and those made from some plant based materials and plastic, from 20 October 2014. The aim is to encourage bag re-use and reduce the visible impact of litter.

Speaking to the ‘News’, Daniel said: ““I think if we can do anything to reduce the number of plastic bags going into the sea, and breaking up into little bits of micro plastic, then it is a good thing, A reduction in the use of carrier bags being thrown away means that they are not being eaten by marine mammals which attract tourists, and from my perspective that is a positive thing, but I do realise, like many issues, there is a range of views on that!

"There are a huge range of challenges in the Clyde, and that is one of the things that the centre has to do. The charity’s mission is to provide education about threats to the environment, and how we can be more sustainable."