Aberdeenshire Council fears tourists could be put off visiting the region by the high volumes of litter.
Zero Waste Scotland has launched a new campaign: Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way, which aims to inspire people getting out and about to enjoy the great outdoors without leaving waste behind.
The campaign, which highlights the beauty of Scotland’s lochs and mountains, city parks and country woodlands, is backed by the Scottish Government and Keep Scotland Beautiful.
Aberdeenshire Council has now backed the campaign with a new digital campaign and poster letting visitors know that ‘Aberdeenshire is Stunning – Let’s Keep it that Way’, featuring an image of the Potarch Bridge.
Belinda Miller, head of the authority’s economic development and protective services, said: “We promote the north-east of Scotland as a beautiful and natural environment destination and we rely on tourism to support thousands of jobs.
As Scotland’s tourism re-opens its doors, we’ve launched a national campaign with @KSBScotland to help prevent litter in Scotland: ‘Scotland is stunning – Let’s keep it that way’ @scotgov pic.twitter.com/JcT8QsePCv
— Zero Waste Scotland (@ZeroWasteScot) July 15, 2020
“People have been in touch with the council to share their disgust and horror at the widespread littering and public toileting they are coming across all over Aberdeenshire.
“There is no excuse for littering – if you bring it with you, you can take it home.
“We want people to enjoy our wonderful array of attractions and beautiful scenery, but if visitors are faced with this sort of behaviour and mess then they are unlikely to return and that many have a long term negative impact on our tourism sector.”