Argyll primary praised as finalist in litter art competition
Arrochar Primary School has been named among the finalists of a unique competition that highlighted the major challenges the village faces with coastal litter.
Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful launched a marine litter art competition focussing on the Arrochar litter sink and invited pupils from primary, early years and ASN schools across the Clyde Valley, Ayrshire and Arrochar to take part.
More than 90 schools entered, and on Tuesday March 11 entries from the nine schools selected as finalists were showcased at a special exhibition at Arrochar’s Three Villages Hall.
The contest’s top prize went to West Dunbartonshire’s Knoxland Primary School.
The competition encouraged pupils to think about how litter dropped on a local street or path can end up travelling via the Clyde to Arrochar and impacting the community and marine environment.
Organised through the charity’s Upstream Battle campaign in partnership with waste and recycling enterprise The GRAB Trust, the art project prompted strong emotions in the young participants.
“We are delighted with the number of schools that have engaged with the resources and in the quality of the competition entries - which demonstrate the powerful emotions children have when it comes to protecting our environment,” The GRAB Trust’s Jacqui Willis said.
She went on to thank Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Upstream Battle team and added: “Their expertise has been crucial in connecting the problem of the Arrochar litter sink with a wider audience, ensuring that the project message resonates and inspires action in our young people.”
The importance of keeping Arrochar’s coastal litter at the forefront of minds locally and nationally was stressed by head of operations at Keep Scotland Beautiful Paul Wallace.
He said: “The litter issue in Arrochar is one we have known about, raised awareness of, and been working with partners to tackle for a number of years now but it remains a significant challenge.
“Our Upstream Battle campaign is aimed at reducing litter at source and exploring ways to stop it from reaching our precious waterways.
“With 80 per cent of marine litter coming from land, it is crucial that we all understand just how far litter dropped can travel, and the devastating impact it can have on coastal communities and wildlife around Scotland.
“We all need to remember that what is dropped inland can blow, flow or find its way to waterways and travel to the sea.
“I’d like to congratulate all our finalists and everyone who entered. Every entry was fantastic, and it’s so inspiring to see just how much the younger generation cares about our environment.”
Sign up to our daily Newsletter
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
You may also like
Sign up to our daily Newsletters
Permission Statement
Yes! I would like to be sent emails from West Coast Today
I understand that my personal information will not be shared with any third parties, and will only be used to provide me with useful targeted articles as indicated.
I'm also aware that I can un-subscribe at any point either from each email notification or on My Account screen.
© 2025 Wyvex Media Limited.