Voar Redd Up in running for national award

Da Voar Redd Up has been shortlisted in the community initiative section of the 2013 RSPB Nature of Scotland Awards.

The awards are designed to celebrate nature conservation and aim to recognise projects which protect and enhance the Scotland’s natural heritage.

Sita Goudie of the Shetland Amenity Trust, which coordinates the annual event, said: “Per head of population, Da Voar Redd Up is the largest community-based clear up in the UK, with over 20 per cent of the population volunteering annually.

“If Scotland were to achieve this participation rate, nearly one million volunteers would be required and for the whole of the UK nearly 12 million.

“It is the volunteers which make Da Redd Up the success it is, volunteering many thousands of hours annually to clear our environment of bruck. It is because of this incredible community support that the Redd Up has made the shortlist for this prestigious national award, and we hope it will help to show just how outstanding Shetland and its residents are.”

The shortlist was announced at an event in the Scottish Parliament and those on it include businesses, charities, public sector organisations and individuals.

Judging panel chairman Stuart Housden said: “We had high hopes that the 2013 Year of Natural Scotland would allow us to recognise and reward some truly inspirational projects, and we were not disappointed. Once again, we were overwhelmed by the volume and calibre of entries.

“We applaud all our entrants for their commitment and efforts to conserve and protect species and habitats throughout Scotland. The judges have some tough deliberations ahead to decide the eight winners.”

The winners will be announced in October.