Isle of Man connects with Isle of Arran
The first inter-island connection on beach-cleaning expertise has been created between the Isle of Man and Isle of Arran.
It follows a visit by Beach Buddies to the Scottish Isle.
It is now linked to the Isle of Man to share knowledge and statistics on beach cleaning and there are plans to create an "Isle of Arran Beach Buddies".
Fifteen Beach Buddies’ officials and students from University College Isle of Man (UCIOM) met volunteer beach cleaners on Arran last week.
The UCIOM team took part in three beach cleaning sessions during their visit which was largely paid for by fund-raising events.
The Steam Packet provided free ferry transport for the Beach Buddies’ truck and a mini bus.
Arran has a population of only 4,600, and whilst it doesn't have a the potential for a large numbers of volunteers for beach cleaning, its marine litter problems are not as severe as in the Isle of Man.
However, the Buddies found plenty of small plastic items and discarded waste from the fishing industry.
Bill Dale says the Buddies will provide expertise and advise to the new "Isle of Arran Beach Buddies" - the first time they have given permission to another group to use the Buddies name.
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