Dates announced as amenity trust will hold 30th annual voar clean-up

Shetland Amenity Trust has announced the dates for the 30th annual Voar Redd Up, with the main weekend to take place over Saturday 22nd and Sunday 23rd April.

Originally launched in 1988, Da Voar Redd Up quickly became the largest community based voluntary clear-up throughout the UK, with over 20 per cent of Shetland’s population regularly volunteering for the event. Last year 4,605 participants collected over 67 tonnes of bruck from roadside verges, beaches and coastline

Amenity trust environmental improvement project officer Sita Goudie said: “Now in its 30th year, Da Voar Redd Up has so far removed close to 1,800 tonnes of bruck from our environment.

“We look forward to welcoming back existing groups, as well as new volunteers, to this year’s event. It is these volunteers who make the Redd Up the success it is and show just how committed Shetland is to caring for the environment.

“What is achieved through Da Voar Redd Up is incredible, and we hope 2017 will be as successful as ever.”

Groups which participated last year should receive registration forms soon and the trust would like to remind these groups that, even if they do not require a pack, it is very important to register annually so that the trust can record where Redd Ups are taking place and collection points for bruck.

For those who have not taken part before, or individuals who would like to join a group in their area, please contact the Trust or log onto www.shetlandamenity.org/da-voar-redd-up for further details on how to get involved.

As well as providing an opportunity for the community to improve their environment, taking part in the Redd Up can raise funds for local groups through sponsorship, and businesses and schools can earn points towards environmental schemes and awards. Young Scot card holders can also earn points through the Young Scot Reward Scheme.

Shetland Amenity Trust supplies gloves and bags for the Redd Up, and takes away all the bruck collected, free of charge. The bruck is then sorted by Augean North Sea Services in its base at Greenhead to remove all of the recyclable items before the rest is safely disposed of at the Shetland Islands Council waste management depot.

The trust thanked Augean for providing their workforce and services free of charge, and also other organisations who are supporting this year’s event, including Shetland Charitable Trust, World Animal Protection, BP Sullom Voe, Keep Scotland Beautiful and Shetland Islands Council.