Stornoway Scouts will be introducing a new species of fish to the town this weekend in a move to protect the local environment. From Saturday, 'Yellow Fish' will begin appearing in gutters and near drains as part of an awareness campaign supported by the Scottish Environment Protection Agency (SEPA) and the North of Scotland Water Authority.

Mark Wells, SEPA's Education Officer, explains: "Many people don't know that road drains are only meant for rainwater and usually lead to the nearest stream. Pouring paint stripper, grease, oil, bleach or detergent down the drain could seriously harm the environment. It's also illegal, with a maximum fine of £20,000. The number of oil pollution incidents in Scotland has been increasing over the past few years.

"It's vital that people dispose of substances like these properly. Even tiny amounts entering a burn or a river can have a devastating effect on local wildlife. When river insects are affected there is a knock-on impact for future fish populations."

The 2nd Stornoway Scouts have volunteered to lead the Yellow Fish campaign, and will be painting the brightly coloured fish in the town. They will also be putting up eye-catching posters and delivering fishy postcards which give supporting information and advice.

Alena Edgar, a Scout Leader with the Stornoway Troop, says: "We're delighted to take this opportunity to raise awareness of pollution and the harmful effects it has on our environment. The Yellow Fish project is an excellent way to achieve both goals and it also fits in well with the Scouting ideals of public service."

SEPA's advice is to:

take waste oil to an oil-recycling bank (call free on 0800 66 33 66 to find your nearest bank)

until specialist facilities are available, keep varnishes, preservatives, paints etc in their tins or containers and dispose of them with the normal rubbish collection

find out more by visiting www.sepa.org.uk/yellowfish

join the campaign by contacting Mark Wells on 01786 457700 or mark.wells@sepa.org.uk

Contact Alena Edgar, 2nd Stornoway Scouts, tel 01851 870591, mob 07884 153 421, alenaedgar@mac.com

ENDS