At Scottish Coastal Clean up, we’re incredibly lucky to have a community of dedicated volunteers who go above and beyond to protect our coastline. Some individuals stand out not only for their commitment but also for their passion in inspiring others to take action, and we want tp recognise these exceptional efforts. Coastal Guardians are volunteers who have demonstrated outstanding dedication to our mission. They are part of the SCCU team, actively involved in clean-ups, conservation effects, and community engagement. Beyond their hands-on work, they have the opportunity to represent SCCU at events, give talks, and help spread awareness about protecting Scotland’s coastline.
Plastic Pirate Violet
Meet Violet
I’ve been beachcombing my whole life, mostly in the Outer Hebrides where we wild camped by remote beaches. I love the sea, including sailing, kayaking and swimming, so it was a natural progression from beachcombing to beach cleaning.
I got involved in citizen science because I didn’t see my lived experience represented in the data about marine plastics. Beyond organising cleaning ups, I have an interest in upcycling. I make small assemblage pieces and jewellery, but have collaborated with other artists and makers to reuse marine plastics. Using these connections, I hosted our first online skillshare and networking event through Scottish Islands Federation’s Marine Litter Working Group to connect makers and beachcleaners throughout the British Isles and beyond.
I’m passionate about cleaning the remote and difficult to access parts of our islands especially on the West Coast
Captain Christy
Meet Christy
I’m from the wee seaside town of North Berwick, East Lothian. I grew up in and around the Firth of Forth, usually amongst the rock pools looking for beasties at Milsey Bay or out on the sea sailing dinghies (when I kept them upright that is…).
As an adult now, I’ve never had a greater appreciation for the great outdoors and the beautiful environment that Scotland and beyond has to offer, be itthe mountains or the shores. The coast has not only shaped who I am as a person today, but been an old friend to console with in times of
need.
It’s now alarmingly evident to us all that nature is in crisis. I feel it’s important to give back something where possible and preserve as much of the environment around us as we can.
The climate crisis can feel overwhelming at times, but something as simple as beach cleaning feels like a conservation effort you can really sink your teeth into.
One bit of plastic at a time!
I saw the incredible work that the Scottish Coastal Clean Up is achieving, they are seriously epic! It’s been the most wonderful experience volunteering with the charity, meeting like minded folk and heading out on beach cleaning adventures across Scotland, with the trusty steed Curlew, the beach cleaning boat.
Seeing the impact that is possible to make over only a few days with a small team of willing scallywags is truly motivating to make a difference in any way I can. You begin to forget for a while the daunting scale of the plastic pollution we face and just have a bit of fun tidying up the coastline.
