AN ART competition for pupils across the west of Scotland has been launched to tackle marine litter in Arrochar.

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful’s initiative, in collaboration with GRAB Trust, focuses on the Arrochar litter sink, encouraging pupils to think about litter dropped locally and how it might end up travelling and impacting the community in the village.

Pupils at primary schools, early years and ASN schools across the west partnership, Argyll and Bute, North Ayrshire and South Ayrshire are able to enter.

A live lesson has already taken place, but there will be a workshop planned to support and motivate the children's projects before submitting their final piece in February.

Heather McLaughlin, campaigns and social innovation manager at Keep Scotland Beautiful, said: “We’re so excited to be launching this art competition to get young people involved in tackling marine litter.

“We know that around 80 per cent of marine litter comes from land, and tackling the issue at source is vital to protect our precious waterways.

“In previous years we’ve had some amazing submissions through our various art competitions and I’m sure this year will be no different.

"Young people across the country are so passionate about our environment and their artwork is always so inspiring.”

The top eight schools will each be provided £250 towards attending an event at the Three Villages Hall in Arrochar on March 11 next year to showcase their creations and journey with other schools and local stakeholders.

At that same event the overall winner will be selected, and will receive a trip to the Sea Life Loch Lomond Aquarium in Balloch.

Jacqui Willis, beaches and marine litter project officer at The GRAB Trust, said: “We are delighted to be able to support Keep Scotland Beautiful on this fantastic project.

“Research shows the vast majority of marine litter found at Arrochar originates elsewhere and so raising awareness around litter pathways is an important step in encouraging the behavioural changes we need to see in preventing litter at source. I’m really excited to see the competition entries.” 

Kathryn Adam, general manager at SEA LIFE Loch Lomond, said: "We know first-hand the impact marine litter can have on the environment and on our creatures so we are delighted to support Keep Scotland Beautiful on this fantastic initiative.

“We look forward to seeing the artwork entries and welcoming the overall winners to SEA LIFE Loch Lomond. Good luck to everyone taking part!”