Ducklings were recently observed swimming in a litter-strewn section of the Forth and Clyde Canal near the Bandstand and Clyde Shopping Centre in Clydebank, sparking concerns over environmental pollution and wildlife safety. The incident occurred on Monday, April 28, when visitors captured images showing the ducklings navigating through water contaminated with discarded plastic cups, bottles, bags, and even shopping trolleys.
A local resident expressed disappointment, remarking on the state of the canal: it was "a shame about the water they have to swim in," recalling efforts some years ago when the canal was cleaned and the shopping trolleys were removed.
Scottish Canals issued a statement condemning the illegal dumping of litter and shopping trolleys into the waterways, highlighting the environmental risks posed to both canal users and wildlife. A spokesperson for Scottish Canals said: “The illegal dumping of litter and trolleys in our canals is unsightly and causes environmental risks to both canal users and wildlife as well as the unnecessary expense for their removal by our waterway operatives."
They commended volunteers who assist in removing litter and performing "paddle pick-ups" across the extensive 141-mile canal network and pledged to continue collaboration with these groups. The spokesperson added: "We would encourage anyone visiting our canals to always take their litter home with them."
This incident comes as Scotland, along with the rest of the UK, experiences an unseasonal warm spell expected to peak on Thursday, May 1, with temperatures reaching up to 28°C. On the day the photographs were taken, temperatures in Aviemore and the east coast at Leuchars in Fife reached 23.5°C and 23.4°C respectively, marking the warmest spell of the year so far.
The Daily Record reports on this situation as part of their ongoing news coverage. The story highlights continuing environmental challenges linked to littering in public natural spaces and the impact on urban wildlife.
Source: Noah Wire Services