Friends of Milngavie Reservoir organise a Summer Clean
04 June 2021
The Friends of Milngavie Reservoir volunteers, in collaboration with Scottish Water staff, supported Volunteers’ Week by holding the first joint reservoir community litter-pick as part of our Summer Clean on Friday 4 June to tidy up the land surrounding Mugdock and Craigmaddie Reservoirs, known collectively as the Milngavie reservoirs.
The volunteer group, which has encouraged local involvement in the event, has been instrumental in bringing together us and Volunteer Scotland as part of their community drive to enhance and protect the reservoirs.
Eddy Yacoubian, Chairman, Friends of Milngavie Reservoir, said: “We are pleased to be taking part in this joint volunteering day, to celebrate Volunteers’ Week, for which we have been recognised by Keep Scotland Beautiful. I am also delighted to launch our new Vision Statement, which champions volunteering, and aims to build on a renewed sense of common purpose and community ownership, as society overcomes the pandemic. Volunteering can be a catalyst for social good and we will continue our efforts to improve the special, tranquil environment of the Milngavie reservoirs. I look forward to building on our partnership working with Scottish Water and playing our part in representing the views of local groups and communities.”
Brian Lironi, Corporate Affairs Director, Scottish Water added: “We are delighted to be working with Friends of Milngavie Reservoir, and the local community, to pick up littler at the Milngavie reservoirs. It’s through activity and collaboration such as this that we hope to promote how valued the reservoirs are and how we can all work together to keep them clean and tidy.”
Alan Stevenson, Chief Executive, Volunteer Scotland, said: “The Friends of Milngavie Reservoir demonstrate how volunteers can improve their local green space. Groups like these are truly the lifeblood of our local communities; making them healthier, more connected and greener. It’s important that we recognise their contribution and say thanks. Volunteers’ Week is the perfect time to show our appreciation.”
Barry Fisher, our Chief Executive said: “Lockdown has made us really appreciate our local outdoor spaces, and it is important that we keep them litter free. Our evidence shows we’re facing a looming litter emergency across Scotland. But, thanks to Scottish Water supporting the volunteers from Friends of Milngavie Reservoir, the problem is now being dealt with one piece at a time. This year people have pledged to volunteer their time to litter pick 20,000miles of Scotland during our Summer Clean which runs till June 20. Together we can all do more to tackle litter, for our environment and our own health and wellbeing -so please pledge your support to keep Scotland beautiful.”
Volunteers’ Week (1-7 June) is a UK campaign, now in its 37th year, and led by a representative organisation in each of the four nations. Volunteer Scotland lead the campaign in Scotland; this year, they’re encouraging everyone to take time to say 'thank you' to all volunteers.
Pictured from left to right before the clean up started are: Brian Lironi, Scottish Water; Alan Stevenson, Volunteer Scotland; Lynn Cree, Friends of Milngavie Reservoir; and Barry Fisher, Keep Scotland Beautiful.
