The problem of marine litter washing up on Arrochar’s shoreline will be the focus of a Big Clean-Up, which will be supported by up to £150,000 from the Scottish Government.

Around 62,000 items of litter from the Irish Sea and River Clyde ends up on Arrochar’s shores every year, and it is estimated it receives around 11 per cent of all the litter entering the Clyde.

The clean-up, which will run May 23-26, will provide an opportunity for members of the public to learn more about the problems of marine litter as well as get involved in cleaning up.

Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham, who saw the scale of the problem on a visit to the village in March, said: “Marine litter is a challenge, not just for those living along the coastline but for all of us. Plastics and other pieces of litter do not belong in our waters and risk the health of our marine environment on which we rely.

“We are taking action to help address the issue; encouraging recycling to prevent littering in the first place with initiatives such as the introduction of a deposit return scheme and we are also looking at how we can help remove the litter that is already in our waters.

"We are supporting this big clean-up in Arrochar as part of our work to better understand the problem of marine litter sinks, where litter is gathering in high levels.

“Communities the length and breadth of Scotland are already playing their part in reducing and removing litter and this event is an opportunity to learn more about the issue and to offer practical help.

"I would encourage those who are interested to contact the event organisers and for those living further afield to get involved with their local beach cleans.”

The event is primarily funded by the Scottish Government with support from Argyll and Bute Council, Arrochar, Tarbet and Ardlui Community Trust, GRAB Trust, Marine Conservation Society, Keep Scotland Beautiful, Zero Waste Scotland, Loch Lomond and Trossachs National Park and Luss Estates.

To register and get involved in the event contact cleanup@keepscotlandbeautiful.org.