A West Lothian school has been crowned Edinburgh and Lothians champion in an inaugural competition to tackle Scotland’s litter emergency.
Woodmuir Primary School are the winners of environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Litter League, an initiative aimed at getting children more involved in the litter issue across the country.
The competition formed part of the charity’s annual Spring Clean which saw more than 30,000 people get involved in events.
In total there were more than 100 youth led Litter League competition events in 23 local authorities across Scotland.
Woodmuir Primary School collected 22 bags of litter in the Breich Village woodlands. Broxburn Primary School, another West Lothian school, came third in the category after collecting four bags of litter.
All category winners received a #SpringCleanScotland trophy to keep for one year as part of our commitment to sustainability, as well as vouchers for Decathalon. All participants received a Litter League certificate to acknowledge and thank them for all their efforts.
Barry Fisher, chief executive at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “This first year of our Litter League has proved to be a tremendous success. We’ve seen thousands of young people get involved from all across the country to help us clean up Scotland.
“Litter League has proven that no matter your age, size or how many people are on your team, it is possible to have a positive impact and contribute to keeping Scotland beautiful.
“We are currently facing a litter emergency in Scotland and we need everyone to play their part. I want to thank every single participant who got involved and made an effort and say a huge congratulations to all our winners.”
Theresa McLaren, Woodmuir headteacher, said: “We are delighted to be first in the Lothians area for clear ups. For a small school like Woodmuir, it’s a fantastic achievement to have our efforts to improve our environment recognised by Keep Scotland Beautiful.
“At Woodmuir Primary School, our pupils are passionate about protecting our local environment and show positive attitudes towards sustainability. The school regularly use the village woodlands for ‘Forest School’ lessons and so the pupils have a strong connection with nature and really care about protecting it.
“Thanks to all our amazing pupils for their enthusiastic participation in the clean ups, as well as our wonderful parents/carers for their strong support.”
Tom Conn, West Lothian Council executive councillor for the environment and sustainability, said: “Hugh congratulations to everyone at Woodmuir for this superb achievement.
“With Broxburn Primary coming third for the Lothians too, it’s clear West Lothian schools are committed to doing their part to protect our local environment for everyone. West Lothian was also one of the top areas for clean ups in Keep Scotland Beautiful’s Spring Clean 2023, showing the commitment to tackle the blight of litter across West Lothian’s communities.
“Thanks must also go to our Cleaner Communities team for all their invaluable efforts to support school and community clean ups, such as providing pickers, bags and disposing of the material collected.”
While the 2023 Spring Clean Scotland may be over, you can still help clean up Scotland. Why not organise a litter pick with friends, family, workmates or your wider community? Or find one to join in with on the charity’s Clean Up Scotland map: https://www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org/community-and-place/clean-up-scotland/clean-up-scotland-map/
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here
