Friends of Monkland Canal

That the Parliament congratulate the Friends of Monkland Canal on its latest initiative to improve and revive the beauty and heritage spot; understands that the Coatbridge-based group, which is headed by Alan McCormack, and its volunteers, including Stephen McCargo, John Mackins and John Smart, embarked on this clean-up operation during the COVID-19 lockdown to benefit the community; notes that the project involves clearing litter and other discarded items to create a cleaner and greener environment that can be enjoyed by the community and wildlife alike; acknowledges that, so far, the volunteers have removed over 300 bags of rubbish from the canal paths; welcomes the news that children from the area have taken the opportunity, along with their parents, to help, including with participating in litter picking; appreciates that they have been identifying and learning about wildlife and enjoying the treasure trails that have been set up by the volunteers in the newly-tidied woodland walks; believes that this is helping them to take pride in their area; welcomes all efforts to protect the natural environment and improve outdoor spaces, including this work to help preserve the history of the Monkland Canal, and wishes Alan and the group every success with this venture and their other endeavours.