Zero Waste Scotland launches Aviemore campaign due to littering concerns

Issued in partnership with Zero Waste Scotland

Following fears of increased littering across Scottish beauty spots during the school holidays, Zero Waste Scotland, in partnership with the Scottish Government and Keep Scotland Beautiful, has teamed up with the Highland Council, local organisations and businesses to encourage those visiting Aviemore to leave it just as stunning as they found it.

Surrounded by popular beauty spots, including Loch Morlich and the Cairngorm Mountains, Aviemore is one of Scotland’s most popular tourist destinations. Launching today [Monday 28 June] the Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way litter prevention campaign will target the area and implement impactful signage, billboards and social media advertising to speak to those visiting the area on day trips and staycations.

As Scotland continues to return to normality, Aviemore has seen an influx of visitors, with even more people expected to visit the area. With this growth in footfall comes concerns about littering.

Research carried out by Zero Waste Scotland shows that the majority (89%) of Scots already see littering as a problem in their area, with a third (34%) of the population noting an increase in litter since the pandemic.

As well as being an eyesore, dropping litter is a criminal offence. Discarded waste can harm wildlife and be a danger for children.

First launched last year to coincide with tourism re-opening in Scotland, Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way aims to raise awareness of the harm done by littering, encouraging people to change their habits by taking their litter home or binning it. 

Iain Gulland, Chief Executive, Zero Waste Scotland, said: “We’ve had an amazing response to the launch of the second phase of our Scotland is Stunning – Let’s Keep It That Way anti-littering campaign, but there is still work to do. Aviemore is one of Scotland’s best loved destinations, with its lochs, forests, and mountain trails, and we must do everything we can to protect it.

“We are asking anyone visiting Aviemore to plan ahead before setting off. Pack a bag for rubbish, bring reusable containers and cutlery, and please bin your litter or take it home to dispose of. Together we can ensure Aviemore stays stunning.”

Cllr Bill Lobban, Convener of The Highland Council, said: “We warmly welcome the return of visitors to Aviemore here in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park but we simply ask everyone to ‘leave no trace’. The Highland Council has increased bins and waste capacity across the Highlands for the coming season, as well as extra uplifts to help keep the Highlands stunning. If bins are full, please take all your rubbish home.

“We support the targeted approach from Zero Waste Scotland in Aviemore this week and see it as an opportunity to educate and change behaviours. Enjoy the Highlands of Scotland, make memories and leave nothing behind other than your footprints. Scotland wide we face a litter emergency, and our countryside, wildlife and people urgently need a change in behaviour to Keep Scotland Beautiful. Litter ruins views and is harmful to people, wildlife and the environment.”

To support the campaign and encourage others to do the same, please download the campaign toolkit, or visit www.managingourwaste.scot/litter for further details.