FOUR residents of Garelochhead have been praised for their efforts in helping to look after the local environment during the pandemic.

Garelochhead Community Council (GCC) has written letters of commendation to Pat Robinson, Alistair McIntyre and Tom and Sandra Ward to thank them for keeping on top of litter and marine debris in the village throughout the lockdowns of the past 12 months.

Watson Robinson, GCC’s chairman, wrote to each of the local heroes to say: “On behalf of the Garelochhead community and all the members of the Garelochhead Community Council, I would like to commend you for your considerable efforts working to improve the environment within the village.”

Then, with a more personal touch, Mr Robinson wrote to Tom and Sandra Ward: “Your beach cleaning efforts have been an inspiration to us all. You work tirelessly in all weathers to collect rubbish and clear the shore line; this is greatly appreciated and the improvement to the beach is impressive.

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“In particular your dedication and focus on clearing as much plastic as possible littering our beach from the loch is appreciated.

“The threat caused to marine life from the breakdown of micro-plastic particles is a major ecological concern and so your work in this regard is extremely valuable.

“You are both an inspiration to us all and an asset to our village. On behalf of everyone, thank you.”

To Alistair McIntyre he said: “Your beach cleaning efforts have been an inspiration to us all. Not only do you attend all the beach cleans arranged by the community, but you also undertake this activity by yourself, almost it would seem on a weekly basis; the improvement to the beach is impressive.

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“In addition, your environmental concerns are commendable and noteworthy. Your time spent with the Helensburgh paths group has helped to maintain and refurbish many of the paths around the lochs. The beautiful views, available to us all, along these paths is in no small measure due to your efforts.

“You have even found time to be an active participant in many of the volunteer organisations in the village. In doing so, you have provided us with your valuable knowledge and infectious enthusiasm.

“Alistair, you have been an inspiration to us all and an asset to our village. On behalf of everyone thank you.”

And to Pat Robinson he added: “Your litter clearing efforts have been an inspiration to us all. You work tirelessly in all weathers to clear rubbish that folk have thrown from vehicles as they speed by along the roads through Whistlefield; this is greatly appreciated.”

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