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Coastal cleaning project is supported by financial firm


By Kyle Ritchie

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A project which is dedicated to keeping coastlines in Aberdeenshire clean was supported by a financial firm in 2021.

The East Grampian Coastal Partnership (EGCP) has been running its Turning the Plastic Tide initiative and received a helping hand from Acumen Financial Planning.

Staff members took part in beach cleans at the Forvie Nature Reserve and collected 53kg of litter, debris and microplastics.

The company sponsors the work of the partnership, so it is able to continue to keep the shores in top condition.

Acumen Financial Planning staff who take part in the beach cleans.
Acumen Financial Planning staff who take part in the beach cleans.

A spokesman said: "A few of the team spent two very worthwhile mornings at Forvie Nature Reserve collecting litter, debris and microplastics with the East Grampian Coastal Partnership, who we very proudly sponsor.

"It was hugely eye-opening to discover what seemed a reasonably litter-free beach actually had a lot of work to be done. Across the two days, the team managed to collect 53kg worth of debris.

"It was a very educational experience for all, and a big thank you to EGCP and the Turning the Plastic Tide project for allowing us to play a small part in keeping our coastlines clean."

The project has excelled in delivering benefits to coastal communities between Fraserburgh and East Haven in Angus, primarily through the delivery of beach clean support and education to primary and secondary schools.

It was started in December 2017 to help tackle the blight of marine litter.

Its beach litter officer has a number of responsibilities including promoting and coordinating community beach cleans; training volunteer organisers in safe and effective delivery; and developing a sustainable network of trained volunteers to run the beach cleans in the coming years.

The work also includes attending harbour days, events and community meetings, promoting marine litter issues; collaborating with regulators such as SEPA and Scottish Water to educate the public about what can and cannot be put down the sewage system; highlighting and supporting solutions for specific issues such as disposable barbecues and microplastics; and working with KIMO on the issue of fishing litter

The project includes a large number of volunteers and organisations including the Marine Conservation Society, Marine Scotland, Aberdeenshire Council, port authorities, fishing bodies, conservation groups, businesses, community councils and schools.

The volunteers helped to tidy the Forvie Nature Reserve.
The volunteers helped to tidy the Forvie Nature Reserve.

EGCP was first established in 2005 and is a not-for-profit company representing individuals and organisations who have an interest in the well-being of the local coast between Kinnaird Head, Fraserburgh, and the mouth of the River North Esk, by St Cyrus.

Acumen Financial Planning has been providing services in the north-east since 2002.

It was one of the first firms to provide financial planning as a stand-alone professional service in the area.

The company has offices in Peterhead, Aberdeen, Elgin, as well as in Glasgow and Edinburgh.

For more information on the Turning the Plastic Tide project visit www.egcp.scot


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