Visitors to a popular Scottish beauty spot have been left horrified at the sight of a nesting swan surrounded by rubbish as fears grow over the impact of litter on the country’s nature and wildlife.
The pair of mute swans in Drumpellier Country Park in North Lanarkshire appear to be using discarded waste to build a nest.
Of the two eggs in the nest, one appeared to be sitting on a thrown away Quavers packet while empty drinks cans and bottles littered the area.
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Animal experts said increasing numbers of wildlife are being harmed by rubbish while North Lanarkshire Council said anyone caught dropping litter would face a fine.
Images released in May last year of red deer stags on the Isle of Rum with marine litter such as rope tangled in their antlers caused widespread concern and anger.
Scottish SPCA chief superintendent Mike Flynn said: “Sadly, we have noticed an alarming increase in animal injuries due to incorrectly discarded rubbish, with everything from cats and bats, to badgers and foxes being affected.
“We want to remind everyone that they can help save wildlife by properly disposing of their rubbish. Anyone who discovers an injured or distressed wild animal should call our animal helpline on 03000 999 999.”
Swans lay up to seven eggs in late April and early May, with both the male and female incubating the nest.
Yesterday the two swans were adding to the nest, which sits in the middle of the Coatbridge park, and were seen moving around plastic bottles. The scene showed the impact careless park users can have on wildlife.
On visitor said: “It is absolutely disgusting.
“The poor swans.
“It is so embarrassing that we have this beautiful park in Coatbridge and the privilege of having these lovely animals yet look how poorly we are taking care of both.
“My daughter lives near Queen’s Park in Glasgow and there’s a pair of nesting swans there.
“The nest is pristine and nothing like this mess we can see here. “It’s unacceptable.”
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There were several litter bins near the swan’s nest and dotted around the park, meaning no excuses for those dropping litter.
A spokesman for North Lanarkshire Council said: “Discarded rubbish is a blight not only for park users, but also poses a risk to the animals that call the park their home.
“We would urge everyone using the park to properly dispose of any litter in the bins provided.
“Anyone caught throwing rubbish away will face being fined.”
The latest concern over litter and its impact on Scotland’s nature and wildlife came as the Extinction Rebellion climate change protests continued.
Olympic gold medallist Etienne Stott was one of the activists arrested on Waterloo Bridge as police cleared the final section of carriageway on Sunday evening.
The London 2012 canoe slalom champion was carried from the bridge by four officers at around 8.30pm.
The Nottingham branch of XR confirmed his arrest and said they were awaiting his release.
In total, more than 1,000 people have been arrested during a week of climate change protests in London.
Yesterday saw at least 100 Extinction Rebellion protesters lie down in the Natural History Museum in London.
The event, which they called a “die-in”, was held to raise awareness of what they claim is a ‘sixth mass extinction’.
Not all onlookers were supportive.
One man with his two young children, who asked not be named, said: “I just think they are wasting police time.”
Extinction Rebellion protesters were also planning a demonstration in Westminster today as MPs return from the Easter break, police have said.
Scotland Yard warned that activists face arrest if they do not confine their protest to Parliament Square or end any action before midnight.
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