Litter bit of community spirit goes a long way at the Forth and Clyde!

Date: 
Tuesday, 11 May, 2021


People are pulling together to help ensure the Forth and Clyde Canal is kept shipshape in Kirkintilloch.Bin at the Forth and Clyde Canal

Your Kirky - aka Kirkintilloch Community Council - has installed new litter bins and volunteers will keep them maintained, emptying them regularly and liaising with East Dunbartonshire Council to have the refuse picked up.

St Ninian's High School has 'adopted' two of the bins and will support through litter-picks in the area, with the Council supplying equipment and bags.

Your Kirky obtained approval from Scottish Canals, which is responsible for canal-side towpaths and bins, to install new receptacles as part of the community council's campaign - Keep Your Kirky Beautiful!

Nigel Rooke, of Your Kirky, said, "We're pleased to be working with the Council, Scottish Canals and Keep Scotland Beautiful to help ensure the Forth and Clyde is kept in shipshape condition.

"Look out for the new branded bins in various locations. The project is part of our work with partners to make the most of the town and its wonderful assets - for residents, visitors and workers. We're grateful for the support of St Ninian's High, which has adopted two of the bins and is fully behind our efforts."

Permission was secured from Scottish Canals by Your Kirky for new bins at the top and bottom of the ramp near Nonna's Kitchen, the bottom of the steps by the bench near Northbank Avenue, the top of the path around St Ninian's High and at the top of Penny's Path, by the canal.

There are also plans for two further bins, with permission being sought from Historic Environment Scotland.

Councillor Vaughan Moody, Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, said, "Well done to all at Your Kirky for their ongoing endeavours. We're delighted to support the project, which is a great example of community spirit in action."

Councillor Andrew Polson, Joint Leader of East Dunbartonshire Council, added, "This great work - involving local residents and St Ninian's High - will help to ensure the canal remains a picturesque destination for people of all ages. Congratulations to everyone involved."

* Pupils from eight local schools joined forces with Your Kirky to create a Rainbow of Hope in the town's Regent Gardens before Christmas. The tribute is made up of small stones, each one given a technicolour dream-coat of paint by budding artists from Holy Trinity, Lairdsland, Holy Family, Merkland, Hillhead, Oxgang, Gartconner and Harestanes schools.

Visit Your Kirky website [opens in a new window] and the Your Kirky Facebook [opens in a new window] for more information on local initiatives.

* Photo courtesy of Pamela Marshall

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