Groups set for 25th annual Voar Redd Up

This weekend 20 per cent of Shetland’s population will take to the beaches, coastlines and roadsides as part of the 25th annual Voar Redd Up.

Shetland Amenity Trust environment project officer Sita Hughson said: “Da Voar Redd Up is the largest voluntary clean up in the UK and has a huge impact on our local environment, clearing areas of many tonnes of bruck.

“With thousands taking part this weekend, we would like to remind drivers to be aware of redd up volunteers clearing roadsides during the coming days and ask them to take extra care.”

With the wide range of groups taking part all over the isles, including schools, nurseries, families, individuals, businesses and community groups, the amenity trust is keen to receive stories and photographs from those who are going out.

A new group which has already shared its 2012 redd up plans is Climb Shetland. They are making a weekend of it, holding their annual general meeting and camping over in Eshaness on Saturday before abseiling into Calders Geo and, possibly, Da Hols O Scrada, on Sunday to carry out redd ups.

As in previous years the trust will deploy three environmental improvements teams to collect the huge amount of bruck for safe disposal and recycling. Groups are reminded to inform the trust when their work is finished so the collection of bruck can be undertaken as soon as possible, and to complete and return their redd up survey by 29th June.

Although the main event is scheduled for this weekend, the clean-up operation will continue over the coming weeks. The amenity trust would like to remind drivers to take extra care to slow down on roads where volunteers may be working.

Once all redd ups have been completed the trust will analyse the information gathered by groups in their survey forms and release final tonnages and data.

Ms Hughson said Shetland Amenity Trust would like to thank BP Sullom Voe Terminal for its continued support of Da Voar Redd Up.