Siubhal a’ chladaich – Traversing the Shore (SaC) has been named a finalist in the Innovation Award category at the 2026 RSPB Scotland Nature of Scotland Awards, recognising its pioneering approach to marine litter monitoring across Scotland’s west coast. Funded by the Natural Environment Research Council (NERC) between 2024 and 2025, the project was co-created with community partners to explore barriers to effective marine litter monitoring on some of Europe’s most heavily littered coastlines. The team has developed a new community-first approach that is challenging established practices in beach litter monitoring and governance by placing lived experience at the centre of environmental research.
The project emerged from the earlier 50 Years of Litter on Skye (50YOLOS) research initiative, which demonstrated the value of close collaboration with local communities. SaC aims to understand why internationally recognised marine litter monitoring methodologies have struggled to capture the realities of Scotland’s west coast. The title, Siubhal a' chladaich or Traversing the Shore, was developed through discussions with colleagues at the University of the Highlands and Islands' Sabhal Mòr Ostaig. It references a longstanding Gaelic practice of walking shorelines to gather materials washed ashore, connecting contemporary environmental challenges with the region's cultural heritage.
Throughout the project, researchers spent extensive time working alongside communities on the Isle of Skye and Kintyre peninsula, integrating local expertise into the design, delivery, and evaluation of new, accessible survey methodologies. Key partners included the Scottish Islands Federation, Skye Beach Cleans, Skye and Lochalsh Environment Forum, Tarbert Action on Coastal Litter and the Sleat Nature Group.
Thomas Stanton, Senior Lecturer in Geography and leader of the research, said:
The work that has led to this nomination has transformed my approach to environmental research. Our team’s hope is that the work that we have done with coastal communities on Scotland’s west coast will demonstrate the expertise held within these communities, highlight the risks associated by not providing space for these voices in academic research, and demonstrate innovative ways that environmental research can resource and respect community knowledge.
Being shortlisted for this award is wonderful, but none of the work that led to this nomination would have been possible without the generous support of the community members who have enabled our research.”
John Mason, Chair of the Nature of Scotland Awards judging panel and Chair of the RSPB Scotland Committee, also commented:
The Nature of Scotland Awards shine a spotlight on the people, projects and partnerships making a real difference for nature across the country. The standard of entries this year has once again been incredibly inspiring and demonstrates the passion, innovation and commitment that exists in every corner of Scotland. On behalf of the judging panel, I want to thank everyone who applied and shared their stories with us. I look forward to celebrating their achievements together at the awards ceremony in November.”
The winners of the Nature of Scotland Awards will be announced at a ceremony at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre in November, celebrating individuals, and organisations making a significant contribution to Scotland’s wildlife and natural environment.