In Scotland, 12 groups registered their clean ups, collecting a staggering 213 bags of rubbish across the thousands of kilometres they cleaned up. In total there were 1,310 plastic bottles, 171 glass bottles, 188 cans and 224 food wrappers reported as being collected!

• 322 volunteers
• 213 bags
• 1,310 plastic bottles
• 171 glass bottles
• 188 cans
• 224 food wrappers 

Some of the most bizarre items collected included a saw, Christmas decorations, a vintage 80s can of Fanta, golf balls (nowhere near a golf course) and an entire wheelie bin.

A fascinating story also came to light during Pentland Canoe Club's cleanup. Volunteers there discovered a message in a (plastic) bottle which dated back an estimated 25-30 years. Following the publication of the story and an appeal for the writer, she was tracked down and details of the bottle's 100km, 30 year journey emerged.

Many thanks to the Andy Jackson Fund for their contribution to the collection kits handed out.

The 2023 Big Paddle Cleanup has been a success thanks to a tremendous effort by the paddling community, and highlights just how much work there is to be done to return our waters to the way they should be.

Stay tuned for news on the 2024 cleanup!