Scottish Water and Friends Volunteer to Litter Pick

In support of Volunteers’ Week 2021, Scottish Water joined forces with Friends of Milngavie Reservoir for a litter pick at Milngavie reservoirs. 

Staff from Scottish Water took part in the first joint reservoir community litter-pick on Friday 4 June, as part of the organisation’s volunteer programme which supports employees who wish to get involved in education, conservation or community activities. 

Working together, the army of volunteers tidied up the land surrounding Mugdock and Craigmaddie reservoirs - known collectively as Milngavie Reservoirs.

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 litter 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.”

“Volunteering can be a catalyst for social good and we will continue our efforts to improve the special, tranquil environment of the Milngavie reservoirs.”

Eddy Yacoubian
Chairman, Friends of Milngavie Reservoir

Friends of Milngavie Reservoir encouraged local involvement in the event. Eddy Yacoubian, the group’s chairman, 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. 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.”

Volunteer Scotland and Keep Scotland Beautiful threw their support behind the event. 

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, Chief Executive of Keep Scotland Beautiful 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 20,000 miles of Scotland during our Summer Clean which runs until 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.”