McDonald’s volunteers spring clean along the Union Canal

June 11, 2018 1:24 pm

EDINBURGH MCDONALD’S VOLUNTEERS TEAM UP WITH SCOTTISH CANALS AND KEEP SCOTLAND BEAUTIFUL TO CARRY OUT UNION CANAL SPRING CLEAN

Volunteers from 11 McDonald’s restaurants across Edinburgh along with volunteers from Scottish Canals and Keep Scotland Beautiful got together to spruce up the Union Canal in Edinburgh.

Over the May Bank Holiday, 55 people walked from the along the towpath, to the Wester Hailes area and back, picking up litter, messy weeds and debris, to clean up the route.

Citywide litter pickers from Scottish Canals and all McDonald’s restaurants teaming up to clean up a route from Calders to Wester Hailles. Photo Neil Hanna Photography

They collected an amazing 68 bags of rubbish.

Local McDonald’s franchisees Ryan Straub, Elliot Jardine, Graham Angus and Operations Consultant Martin Lomax, who own and operate the 11 city restaurants have combined to organise the voluntary clean-up.

Elliot Jardine, who owns operates the restaurants in Newbridge and Corstorphine said: “It’s a key priority of McDonald’s to ensure that the local area remains free of litter – especially in Edinburgh, as the summer is such a busy time! I was really proud to see so many people come together in this citywide effort and we’re all looking forward to the next one already.”

Keep Scotland Beautiful Operation Director Carole Noble said: “I am delighted that McDonald’s has agreed to support our Clean Up Scotland’s campaign with such a huge event. As a brand it has been active in championing litter prevention activity for many years. The support from McDonald’s crew members and customers will be invaluable in helping raise awareness of the litter that surrounds us.”

John McGowan, Volunteer Coordinator for Scottish Canals said: “We’ve enjoyed working with McDonald’s and Keep Scotland Beautiful on this event. Volunteering is making an impact to the maintenance on Scottish Canals and following this litter picking event on the Union Canal we will help protect the wildlife and have improved the look of the area. We need to continue working hard to change the public’s understanding of discarding litter and encourage everyone to take their litter home with them.”

McDonald’s has supported Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Clean Up Scotland litter campaign since 2007. Last year there were 50 events across Scotland, with a total of around 1,250 volunteers taking part. In addition to the annual Clean Up Scotland litter events and daily patrols, many restaurants get involved in regeneration projects, such as painting walls and replanting trees and flowers, to improve local community areas.