Local constituency MSP Finlay Carson has warned of the rising tide in marine litter blighting our beaches.
He revealed that worrying new figures have shown that Dumfries and Galloway reported a 287 per cent year-on-year increase in the number of litter items per 100 metres of beach.
The Galloway and West Dumfries MSP confirmed latest statistics from the Marine Conservation Society’s 2024 report into the State of Our Beaches recorded 41 items of sewage-related debris per 100 metres – one of the highest rates of any local authority.
And the south west corner of Scotland had 45 items of drink-related litter per 100 metres, the third highest in Scotland.
Mr Carson said this figure highlighted the urgent need for an effective deposit return scheme and packaging reform.
Speaking in a members’ debate at Holyrood, the Scottish Conservative and Unionist MSP said: “I know that much of that litter comes straight from the A75 which wynds its way along the Solway coast for much of its length.
“This is not a problem we can clean our way out of. While volunteer efforts are vital, we must also adopt bold policy measures – such as embracing a circular economy and phasing out single-use plastic items like wet wipes, cotton buds, cutlery and straws.”
He insisted “behavioural change” is essential, but it must be supported by strong legislation and co-ordinated action.
Mr Carson added: “The Marine Conservation Society has rightly called on all UK governments, including the Scottish Government, to work closely with stakeholders to tackle this crisis head-on.
“This is not an insurmountable challenge but it will require a serious shift in public attitudes, robust policy interventions, and continued support for the volunteers and organisations working tirelessly to protect our coastlines.”
Earlier the constituency MSP praised the dedication of the 4,000-strong army of volunteers who regularly stage beach clean-ups across Scotland – a 25 per cent increase on the previous year.
He insisted groups like ON US in Dumfries and Galloway were making a real difference locally.
Mr Carson told MSPs: “Just recently, a dozen volunteers tackled marine litter at Port Logan, Morrach Bay, and along the coastline near Stranraer.
“Their efforts are nothing short of inspiring. Another stand-out initiative is the Solway Coast and Marine Project, which aims to restore vital coastal and shallow sea habitats along all 210 kilometres of the Dumfries and Galloway coastline – from Gretna to the Rhins of Galloway.
“This project, led by the Dumfries and Galloway Council Environment Team and the Solway Firth Partnership, is supported by NatureScot, the Scottish Government, and the National Lottery Heritage Fund.
“Their mission is to restore, saltmarshes, seagrass beds, and coastal woodlands and, last but not least, native oyster beds, of which I am the parliament’s Nature Champion.”
“ I am also encourage to see that the Local Authority are considering the introduction of mechanical beach cleaning equipment for beaches in Wigtownshire.”
Despite these efforts, Mr Carson warned, the issue of marine litter remains one of the most pressing – and frankly, most disheartening, environmental challenges of our time.
He said: “Each year, millions of tonnes of plastic and other waste materials enter our seas, harming marine ecosystems, endangering wildlife, and even threatening human health.”
