In early June, we returned to one of our favorite islands, the wonderful Isle of Ulva (situated just off the coastline of Mull). Over four days, our amazing team of ten brilliant volunteers put in nearly 300 hours of beach cleaning, and it felt like we lived through all four seasons while doing it! From sunshine to sideways rain, we faced the weather with determination, cleared a huge amount of rubbish, and felt so supported by the wonderful Ulva community.
It was great to be reunited with our friends Mark and Brendon, island residents, fellow beach cleaners, and the reason we first came to Ulva in the first place. This time, we also had the pleasure of meeting Banjo and Ro, two of the island’s newest residents, who are taking on the exciting challenge of renovating Ulva House, complete with a film crew documenting their journey to be aired on BBC next year. They even joined us for an afternoon of beach cleaning, where our conversations soon turned to the challenges Ulva, like many Scottish islands, faces with marine plastic, especially after the winter storms.
The trip wasn’t just about cleaning beaches, it was also about community and creativity. We had the absolute delight of spending time with the brilliant young folk at Ulva Primary School, alongside Vicki, the marine litter development officer for the Scottish Islands Federation (SIF). Together, we ran a workshop in which the children created their very own Highland coo sculpture made entirely from marine litter. Inspired by the SIF Flotsam Bull, their creation was a powerful reminder that awareness and art can go hand in hand.
And then there were the small joys that make Ulva so special: delicious treats at the Boathouse café, warm and welcoming accommodation at the Ulva Hostel (yes, there’s even a sauna!), our stay at the wonderfully located Cragaig Bothy, and a few very cute locals, a puppy called Glen, who melted our hearts, and two incredibly sweet piglets.
We even found a message in a bottle! One of our volunteers discovered a glass Irn-Bru bottle containing three letters. The bottle began its journey five years ago, on June 9th, 2020, during a family outing to Gola Island, just off the coast of Gweedore, County Donegal, Ireland. Sisters Katelyn and Shauna wrote the letters and set them adrift, never knowing where they might end up.
Incredibly, one of the letters included a phone number, and we were able to get in touch with Katelyn and her mum, who kindly gave us permission to share their story.
As if the trip needed more meaning, it all happened to fall during Volunteers Week, World Environment Day (June 5th), and concluded on World Ocean Day (8th June). The timing couldn’t have been better, and it gave our efforts an even stronger sense of purpose.
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