THE Isle of Cumbrae is hoping to rally local support to drive forward an ambitious environmental move to become a recognised 'plastic-free' destination.

The Cumbrae Beecology group are behind the campaign which would be following in the footsteps of the Isle of Arran, the first in the country to be granted the Surfers Against Sewage approved status.

Lisa Christie, who founded the group on Cumbrae, said: "We will be supporting the island community to obtain ‘plastic-free status' through the Surfers Against Sewage campaign.

"In order to do this we need as many local businesses and bigger organisations to commit to making small changes to eliminate, reduce and encourage alternatives to single use plastic.

"We will be visiting premises with an information pack and questionnaire soon."

The Isle of Arran became the first community in Scotland to achieve Surfers Against Sewage Plastic Free Communities status in recognition of the island’s work to start reducing the impact of single-use plastic on the environment.

The organisation wants to unite communities to tackle avoidable plastic from the beach all the way back to the brands and businesses who create it.

Lisa added: "I have already put out some initial feelers and a lot of businesses are already making changes to show they are interested and aware.

"The plastic-free status would be good for tourism locally too.

"There is no point in us doing beach cleans if we are not targeting the source.

"Everyone has a part to play, from small businesses to bigger authorities, local traders and school."

Rachel Yates, SAS Plastic Free Communities Project Officer, said: “It’s great to see communities leading the way in Scotland as we work to reduce the availability of avoidable plastics, raise awareness and encourage people to refill and reuse.

“We have over four hundred communities across the UK working to reduce single use plastic and the impact it has on our environment.

“Every step these communities and the individuals in them take is a step towards tackling the problem at source, challenging our throwaway culture and encouraging the habit changes we need to see.”

On Arran, accommodation providers have been encouraged to carry out various actions including reusable water bottles to replace single use mineral water; soap and solid shampoo to replace mini-shower gel and shampoo bottles and providing guests with fresh milk to replace mini pots of UHT milk.

In another environmental boost to the island, Cumbrae Parish Church is working together with the Beecology group to plant 135 trees at the new church, which have been donated via the Woodland Trust.