Perth Scouts spring clean an island

12/05/2009

Over 60 Cubs and Scouts helped in a clear up Moncreiffe Island in Perth recently as part of the National Spring Clean 2009.

Cubs and Scouts from the 22nd Perthshire (St Matthew’s) Church Scout Group joined forces with other local groups and organisations to clear up discarded rubbish on Moncreiffe, which is a low lying island in the River Tay in the middle of Perth City Centre. The rubbish collected by the group ranged from old bicycle frames to the discarded tins, plastic bottles and packaging frequently washed up from the river. This was part of thee National Spring Clean promoted throughout Scotland during April by Keep Scotland Beautiful to encourage volunteers to help tidy up their local area.

The Cubs and Scouts were helped by local Brownies, St Matthew’s Church, ‘Beautiful Perth’ and Cittaslow Perth, part of a network of towns who work to enhance the quality of life in their area.

Scout Leader Martin Adams said: “Scouting today is all about helping members between 6 years and 25 years, male and female, fulfil their potential as individuals and active members of society.

This involves them understanding their communities and respecting the environment around them. We are pleased to have use of the island for both our Cubs and Scout troops and it is only fitting we help in its care.”

Councillor Jack Coburn, Chair of Cittaslow Perth, said:

“Cittaslow towns aspire to be tidy towns where litter and other debris is minimised and cleaned up. I applaud this wonderful initiative by the St Matthews Church Scouts who are demonstrating a real pride in their local community. They are a great example to us all and I hope other local groups will follow their lead and help to ensure that Perth looks its best for residents and visitors alike.”