Spick and Spey after the big clean weekend
After the outstanding success of this week's Single Spey River Clean there are now hopes that the event might become a more regular thing rather than just a one-off.
It's clear, having collected bags and buckets of rubbish, that the littering of one of Scotland's most beautiful waterways is not simply going to stop.
But those who joined in on the big clean-up, along a series of Badenoch and Strathspey stretches of the river over the weekend, got such a lot out of the experience that it's likely they will inspire many others to join in the next big 'sweep'.
"The response to my social media posts has been incredible," said Dave Craig, one of the organisers who answered Tom Rawson's call.
Dave, who encapsulates the spirit of the Spey with a company named just that, based at Newtonmore, told the Strathy: "With around 140 people involved, from Spey Dam to the Moray Firth it really was a great effort, particularly given the poor weather.
"That said, we had very little precipitation whilst on the river on Sunday ~ Spey Dam to Kingussie.
"However, it hosed down as we cycled back to Spey Dam to collect our vehicles!
"The craic was great though – boys out to play!"
Three of the team started their ‘litter pick’ at the Spey Dam.
"We encountered a few glass bottles but most was sheet plastic and nine animal feed buckets.
"The boys could be seen teasing plastic out of trees.
"One of our ‘treasures’ found in the river was a Laggan Walks signboard. This little-paddled section is quite beautiful, providing an impressive aspect of the Creag Dhubh crags and waterfall, known as ‘Oui Oui’.
"Thanks to the boys for their company and great craic, and well done to Tom Rawson who set it all up and to Jerry at Aviemore for his local organisation."
Volunteers hit the water at various locations, all of them armed with their own gloves and face masks.
Said main mover Tom Rawson: "Great day. Very dreich (wetter than an otter’s pocket) on Spey but lots of happy volunteers and so much rubbish cleared from the river. Amazing!"
