The perseverance and tenacity of the community on Arran to protect what lies beneath our waves has been highly commended at the annual RSPB Nature of Scotland awards, held at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre.
Now in their 12th year, the awards recognise the individuals and organisations making a difference in their local communities, businesses and schools to support Scotland’s wildlife and special places.
Community of Arran Seabed Trust (COAST), were finalists in the coasts and waters category, alongside 53 other finalists across 10 different categories.
Zoologist, TV presenter and RSPB ambassador, Megan McCubbin, and television presenter and nature enthusiast, JJ Chalmers were hosts for the evening, which featured a key-note speech by minister for green skills, circular economy and biodiversity, Lorna Slater.
COAST were proud recipients of a Highly Commended award, for championing the efforts of the local community to protect vital seabed habitats and creatures in collaboration with researchers, fishermen and businesses on Arran and the wider Clyde.
COAST’s executive director Áine Purcell-Milton, and outreach and communications manager Jenny Crockett, attended the glitzy awards ceremony to receive the award on behalf of the charity.
Jenny said: “We had a fantastic evening celebrating the best of nature conservation across Scotland. It was an honour to be shortlisted alongside so many inspiring projects and a pleasure to be able to meet the faces behind them.
“We are proud that the COAST project was highly commended by the judges. The dedication of the community here on Arran to protect our precious and vital marine environment is invaluable; from the No Take Zone to the Marine Protected Area, to the opening of COAST’s Discovery Centre and the launch of our boat RV COAST Explorer earlier this year, we couldn’t do what we do without them. We receive this award on behalf of each and every one of our supporters to who we are exceedingly grateful.”
The coasts and waters category was won by Biosecurity for LIFE, which works to protect Scotland’s seabird islands from invasive mammals.
Further information about the work that COAST undertakes can be found on their website at www.arrancoast.com
Jenny Crockett and Áine Purcell-Milton with the Highly Commended certificate in the coasts and waters category. No_B48coast01_23_Jenny_Áine
All of the awardees at the RSPB Nature of Scotland awards. Photograph: Mike Wilkinson No_B48coast02_23_awards