Fraser Thomson is passionate about the River Almond and he is determined to make the water a focal point for others who live near its banks.
That is why he organised a clean-up to rid one stretch of the river of shopping trollies, rusting bikes and scooters, road cones and other debris, including refuse.
Thomson, chairman of the West Lothian Angling Association, one of the largest angling clubs in the Lothians, masterminded the initiative in what he claims is a key stretch of the river which runs from near Breich to enter the River Forth at Cramond.
And he believes the river has great potential, not just for fishing.
The volunteers concentrated on an area near the town’s Civic Centre. It has extensive parkland but benches are in desperate need of repair and the banks are overgrown. Litter is commonplace.
The clean-up from Alderstone Road to the Almond Valley Bridge is a part of an initiative which Thomson calls Arms Around the Almond and the owner of Pottishaw Trout Fishery near Whitburn, said: “The Almond is badly affected by all sorts of debris.
“I believe that the area we targeted for the clean-up has great potential for local people as a recreation area.
“It is near the town’s extensive shopping centre, and it is one of the spots which is badly affected by litter of all sorts. Yes, this is a clean-up on the Almond in Livingston, but I strongly believe that this model can be transferred to other waterways affected by unsightly debris.”
He added: “The river is a major asset and my aim is to translate my passion for it to others. We can affect change if we show we really care.”
FIGHTING BACK: Fraser Thomson at his fishery near Whitburn. Picture Nigel Duncan
