Almost 50,000 bags of litter weighing 325 tonnes were picked during this year’s Spring
Clean Scotland as people across the country rolled up their sleeves to tackle the
litter emergency.
Organised by environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful, Spring Clean Scotland
is the country’s largest coordinated mass litter picking activity.
Taking place over four weeks from 21 March to 21 April, more than 33,000 people –
including 18,000 young people – took part in one of 2,600 events covering every local
authority area in Scotland.
Laxdale Primary School were top out of the whole of the Highlands and Islands area
in a competition for young people with 30 pupils picking up 32 bags of litter.
The national Litter League award was won by B-Dale Explorer Scouts in West Lothian.
Miss Afrin, a teacher and eco committee coordinator at Laxdale School, said: "We
are so pleased to win the Litter League Highlands and Islands Award this year. The
school and the Eco Committee work hard to organise litter picks and create cleaner,
greener spaces for everyone."
Catriona, eco committee member at Laxdale School, said: "We really enjoyed taking
part in a litter pick during Spring Clean Scotland month.
“We walked from the school to the Co-op carpark and picked up litter along the way.
“I was shocked at the amount of litter there was, and I am so pleased at how much
litter we managed to collect. It was great to see the difference that we made."
Barry Fisher, Chief Executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We know there is
a litter emergency in Scotland, but we also know there are people in every community
across the country who are determined to take action and deal with the issue.
“Spring Clean Scotland gives us an opportunity to spearhead a collective effort to
make a noticeable difference, inspiring as many people as possible to help clean
up Scotland.
“I’m so impressed to see that more than half of our volunteers this year were young
people. It’s so inspiring to see the younger generation already taking notice and
action of the litter issue in their communities. Congratulations to Laxdale Primary
School for their win!
“A huge part of Spring Clean is recognising those who have taken part, told us about
their activities and helped us understand the depth of the problem we’re facing.
But we also know that there are thousands more who don’t share their efforts and
have made litter picking part of their daily life.
“To everyone who has played a part, however big or small, thank you for keeping Scotland
beautiful.”
Tonnes of litter picked during big spring clean
5 June 2025