The first of a series of plastic clean-ups across Scotland began today at Longniddry Beach in East Lothian on day 3 of the King’s Baton Relay in Scotland.  

Planned as part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics campaign, in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society, the bid to prevent one million pieces of plastic from entering Commonwealth waterways and oceans enters its final weeks and everyone involved is determined to reach the target set. 

Leading the clean-up today alongside Commonwealth Games Scotland Vice Chairperson Susan Jackson was the Scottish Coastal Clean Up (SCCU) team – a volunteer-led cleaning organisation. This group started as a group of friends with a like-minded cause and has since grown into a charity of its own with boats and a quad bike to help access remote parts of Scotland. 

Kerrie Flockhart, SCCU Project Lead said: “It is fantastic to be part of the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign. Our volunteers do an incredible job to help protect Scotland’s coastline, giving their time and energy to tackle marine litter and care for their local environment. We hope this work not only raises awareness of the problem but also highlights the need for greater support and funding for the community groups and coastal communities working tirelessly to address it.” 

Some of the ocean plastic collected at Longniddry today will be used to manufacture Lucky Swallows. These decorative wall features are created by Ally Mitchell in Collaboration with Scotlands Home of the Year TV Presenter and interior designer Anna Campbell-Jones. There will be an installation of Lucky Swallows at Team Scotland House during the Commonwealth Games. Ally of Ocean Kitchen Scotland is also supporting Glasgow 2026 on a creative campaign that will be unveiled on 16 July, just one week before the city welcomes the Commonwealth Games to Glasgow. 

Glasgow 2026 aims to deliver a modern, environmentally responsible model for major events – one that protects the planet by reducing emissions, cutting waste and using resources wisely. 

Deputy Chief Executive Officer, Martin Reynolds: “The Clean Oceans Plastics campaign, in partnership with the Royal Commonwealth Society, has been an integral part of the King’s Baton Relay. We have seen communities come together to protect their local coastlines, rivers and streams all across the Commonwealth. As the King’s Baton Relay reaches its final leg in Scotland, it is great to see that we have all played our part in sustainability and we are excited to see communities in Scotland come together to protect our environment.” 

And it’s not just communities getting behind the Games. Inspired by the Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign, a new collaboration between Glasgow hospitality businesses and Ocean Kitchen Scotland will bring together sustainability, creativity and a warm Glasgow welcome in an altogether unexpected way. This will be led by Glasgow Chamber of Commerce’s Circular Glasgow programme, alongside Sustainable Glasgow, Glasgow City Council’s Sustainability team and Glasgow 2026. 

Ally Mitchell, Founder of Ocean Kitchen Scotland said: “I am very proud to be part of today’s beach clean and have the King’s Baton here to shine a light on the work of these great organisations. Through our work with Scottish Coastal Clean Up, we are helping to tackle pollution in some of Scotland’s most affected coastal areas while raising awareness of the wider environmental challenges posed by plastic waste. It’s rewarding to be part of a movement that is making a real difference to our coastline and marine ecosystems.” 

Chris Ansell, Director of Live Programmes and Engagement at Glasgow 2026 said: “We’re delivering a greener Games that treads lighter on the planet and The Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastics Campaign is a great example of how we’re bringing that ambition to life.  

“The clean-ups have brought communities together to make a positive impact in their local area. And for the next few weeks, we’re keeping that energy going. This is about more than the Games, it’s about what comes next and keeping these movements, conversations and initiatives going long after the final medal.” 

As the baton moves around the country there will be more beach and river clean-ups including at Glasgow Green on 21 July with Keep Scotland Beautiful and Coca-Cola where we hope to be able to celebrate the collection of 1 million pieces of plastic across the Commonwealth since the King’s Baton Relay began. 

Tomorrow, 4 July, the King’s Baton Relay pays a visit to the Linda Brennan U25s Ladies Pairs Bowls Competition, the Kelpies, Loch Lomond and the Luss Highland Games.