INVERCLYDE’S MSP took the lead and organised a local litter pick to support a national campaign.

Stuart McMillan was joined by members of his staff, two members of MP Ronnie Cowan’s team and Councillor John Crowther as they cleaned up Gourock's Tower Hill.

The event was organised in support of Keep Scotland Beautiful's clean up campaign.

With his office regularly contacted about litter and fly-tipping Mr McMillan says he was motivated to take action.

After just two hours at Tower Hill the group had collected 10 bags full of litter.

The MSP said: ““I really enjoyed taking part.

“We spent the majority of our time clearing up waste from the bushes behind the tower at Tower Hill.

“We collected over 10 bags of rubbish in two hours, even though at first glance the area looks to have little rubbish lying about.

"I even found a beer can with a Euro 96 logo on it.”

Mr McMillan is hoping that the efforts will have inspired other people in the local community to take action.

He said: “Across the country, people are waking up to the fact that we all need to pitch in and keep our community tidy.

"You often hear people say that littering happens when there are no bins.

"This certainly is not an excuse for Tower Hill or many locations.

"Ultimately, if there isn’t a bin, please take your litter home with you.

“The less time council staff need to spend picking up litter, the more time and resources they can spend on more pressing matters.

“Thanks again to everyone who helped out.”

Anyone interested in organising their own litter pick is asked to visit https://www.zerowastescotland.org.uk