Edinburgh resident spends hours litter picking after hundreds of people gather on the Meadows

Murray MacDonald filled over 20 black bags with rubbish last night after police dispersed hundreds of young people illegally gathered on the Meadows.
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Mr MacDonald, 28, who runs Autism on the Water, was on his way home from delivering food to vulnerable people at around 8pm when he noticed the mess that had been left by people partying earlier in the day.

The area has become a hot spot for illegal gatherings and last night police officers dispersed hundreds of “loud and drunk” young people who were trying to make the most of the good weather, despite coronavirus restrictions still being in place.

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One eyewitness, Anna Koslerova, said: "Nobody was wearing masks and people were in big groups of six to ten - there was no sort of social distancing going on.

"There was plastic from wrappers and packaging all over the ground- I’m pretty sure there is going to be a huge mess left to clean up.”

Seeing the state of the green space first hand, Mr MacDonald took it upon himself to tidy the “unbelievable” mess left behind.

Once home, he took to Facebook to share his frustration, he said: “Cigarette ends, pills, used barbecues, glass bottles, plastic etc... filled all 20 rubbish bags that I bought from Sainsbury’s in Marchmont to clear up this mess!

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"I don’t care if you’re breaking lockdown rules or whatever as I am also sick of it! But PLEASE TAKE YOUR RUBBISH HOME!!! I carried all 20 bags to a nearby bin after I finished and my back is now very sore."

Murray MacDonald spent hours litter picking after hundreds of people illegally gathered on the Meadows last night.Murray MacDonald spent hours litter picking after hundreds of people illegally gathered on the Meadows last night.
Murray MacDonald spent hours litter picking after hundreds of people illegally gathered on the Meadows last night.

Mr MacDonald added: “I would have continued until every bit of rubbish was picked up and there was still so much left, but I am really sorry, I am just exhausted!”

Speaking to the Evening News he said that he’s worried the council will have to close the park if people don’t start being more respectful.

Mr MacDonald isn’t alone in his frustration, beloved Scots writer Ian Rankin took to Twitter this morning to voice his thoughts on the pattern of behaviour that he is expecting to see throughout the summer.

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He said: “Couple of running battles etc etc. Police parked up ‘as a deterrent’. No one deterred.

Murray MacDonald bought 20 bin bags and filled them all up with rubbish from the Meadows.Murray MacDonald bought 20 bin bags and filled them all up with rubbish from the Meadows.
Murray MacDonald bought 20 bin bags and filled them all up with rubbish from the Meadows.

“And so it goes, from now until autumn...”

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