Pint-sized eco warriors are collecting deadly green string that is being washed up on beaches – and earning some pocket money at the same time.
Kevin Byrne, who has a bookshop on Colonsay, is offering £1 to any child who collects 100 pieces of the string, which he claims is being thrown overboard by fishermen.
He said the twine is choking young birds to death.
Kevin added: “Fishermen use the string for tying lobster pots. They tie a knot and cut the twine and if there is a bit left over, they are flinging it over the side.
Avengers: Endgame Irn-Bru cameo revealed as bottle pops up in Marvel epic
“The small bits of string are taken by birds to build nests. Their young eat it and choke.”
Kevin said the problem is widespread along the shoreline of the Hebridean island.
He added: “In one sheltered shore, I once picked up more than 800 pieces in an area that was about 6ft by 3ft. So I am offering children £1 at the bookshop in exchange for 100 pieces of string.
“I am asking them to get permission from their parents and suggesting that parents help.
“A number of children came in with string over Easter and they were thrilled to get their pound.”
Scotland's oldest woman Annie Lean dies aged 109
Katie White’s kids Gregor, three, and Erin, seven, got involved when they visited Colonsay on holiday.
The 37-year-old, of Linlithgow, West Lothian, said: “I am in favour of the scheme and ensuring children have a fun, educational, understanding of environmental issues.”
Plastic ammunition cartridges are also regularly washed up on Colonsay’s beaches, posing a danger to marine life if eaten.
Kevin collected 307 in his latest haul on the beaches. He is unsure where the cartridges come from.
