LITTER. Is there more of it, or are we just seeing it more because lockdown encouraged us to get out and about for exercise?

Venturing further afield (forced from the local golf course due to the return of those pesky golfers) for walks along nearby back roads, I have been saddened by the steady accumulation of litter in the hedge rows.

The appearance of discarded cardboard coffee cups seemed to correlate with the reopening of coffee shops. I assumed these were discarded via car windows. However, it seems a takeaway coffee is the latest must-have walking accessory. What happened to the tartan thermos flask?

I have resolved to take a bin bag with me on my next walk.

I am not alone. There are armies of volunteers across Scotland quietly clearing up after those who litter without a thought.

Given the sharp rise in Scottish staycations, there are fears that the problem will only get worse, as it did last year, with the influx of visitors to beauty spots over the summer.

One Scottish café has unveiled a novel campaign to encourage locals to help combat littering.

With growing recognition of the impact of tourism on the natural environment, the Real Food Café in Tyndrum is taking matters into its own hands with a campaign of litter-picking – with the added incentive of free fish suppers for anyone taking part.

The first litter-pick will take place next Sunday, in conjunction with the Keep Scotland Beautiful Campaign – which runs from Friday until June 20 – and will occur on the last Sunday of each month until October, with The Real Food Café providing volunteers with all the equipment required.

Litter-pickers will be rewarded with free tea, coffee and biscuits plus servings of the café’s award-winning fish and chips.

Twenty spaces are available for each monthly event for anyone from café staff and locals, to visitors to the village, and spaces must be pre-booked.

Café Manager Colin McGeoch, who is spearheading the project, will weigh the litter collected each month and announce the results on social media.

Meanwhile, the Scottish SPCA is encouraging people to support the Paws On Plastic initiative throughout the Keep Scotland Beautiful Campaign, asking dog owners to pick up at least two pieces of litter when walking their dogs.

The charity saw an increase of 17% in calls about litter from January 1 to March 31 this year compared to last year.

Chief superintendent Mike Flynn, of the SSPCA, said: “We get countless reports every year of animals ingesting or becoming trapped or caught in litter or discarded fishing wire.

“This initiative will help people respect the environment and protect animals from the dangers of litter.

“No matter how small, it has the potential to be hazardous or lethal to pets, wildlife and farm animals.”

Litter – what a waste.

For more information on the Keep Scotland Beautiful campaign, go to www.keepscotlandbeautiful.org. Fish suppers optional.