Keep Scotland Beautiful, the environmental charity, presented Tom Newton (aged 11) from Edinburgh with the Clean Up Scotland ‘Hero of the Month’ award.
The award is for his motivation and commitment in keeping the Union Canal clear of litter, and helping to improve the local area.
Tom first started volunteering for Scottish Canals in 2018. Since then he has been out along the canal picking up litter regularly. Rubbish collects on walkways and it is important that it does not end up in the canal.
The litter picking is part of Tom’s Junior Award Scheme for Schools, and it has helped encourage Tom and the rest of his family to consider how they impact on the environment. They are now working on reducing their use of plastics.
Tom said: “I really feel like I am making a difference picking up litter from the canal and I hope that every piece of litter that I pick up is one step closer to helping and protecting local wildlife.
“I hope that more people will consider what happens when litter gets into the water and help us to protect animals like swans, moorhens and otters that could mistake litter for food.”
Heather McLaughlin, Campaign Officer at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “Tom is a great example of how even just a small bit of enthusiasm can go a very long way. Tom has managed to make a significant difference to the environment around the Union Canal – removing rubbish on a regular basis. His efforts have not gone unnoticed.
“Every month Keep Scotland Beautiful recognises the hard work of volunteers across Scotland who clean up and green up their local area. I would encourage everyone to consider nominating their local Clean Up Scotland Hero, so that their achievements can also be celebrated.”
The Clean Up Scotland campaign encourages everyone to get involved by visiting www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/cleanupscotland to find out how you take part or make a nomination.
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