A new campaign group -
Clean Coast Outer Hebrides coordinator Janet Marshall says litter blown ashore in the Western Isles is a huge problem with the sea and tide shifting rafts of rubbish to different beaches.
The amount of plastics and fishing debris washed ashore is growing annually, creating potentially deadly problems for marine wildlife.
The gulf stream swirling up from Gulf of Mexico dumps litter on the shores of the Hebrides.
But nets, creels and ropes broken off from local salmon farms and fishing activities during storms also end up on the beach.
Seals and dolphins get entangled in floating ropes while swallowing plastic debris can eventually kill whales.
Now an unprecedented number of volunteers are getting involved in cleaning up the seaside across the islands.
Teaming up with Surfers Against Sewage during their official Big Spring Beach Clean running until 15 April, the local campaign is encouraging all islanders and visitors to head out to the coast for a personal mini beach clean.
North Harris Trust is also organising beach cleans in their area including one at Outend Scalpay on Saturday.
By weighing rubbish collected on the beach with their bathroom or luggage scales and sending the weight to CleanCoastOH@gmail.com, participants will contribute to the running grand total.
Recent beach cleans have included a massive effort at Sandwick Bay when over 220kg of plastic was removed by more than 50 volunteers including pupils from Stornoway Primary.
A community clean up in Barra on Saturday filled a whole skip and they are hosting a Great Technicolour Nurdle Hunt this coming weekend.
Huisinish beach is a big favourite with tourists in summer but the amount of rubbish is an eyesore.
Rubbish is left behind by the tide
Rising tide of rubbish polluting island beaches
8 April 2018
Volunteers are undertaking beach cleans