BEACHWATCH Bute was delighted to welcome a very special visitor to the island last week – Tarbh Na Muraige, better known as The Flotsam Bull.
This striking Highland bull is no ordinary Heilan coo; he carries an important message about the growing problem of marine litter and has already travelled extensively to spread awareness. His journey has taken him to Arran, Skye, Oban and Glasgow – and he has even made an appearance at Holyrood in Edinburgh.
Created by the talented Vicki Last, marine litter development officer, Tarbh is a powerful and colourful symbol of the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution.
Vicki explained how the now-famous bull came about: “Our heilan coo has been remarkably effective in drawing attention through his bold colours and creativity, while conveying a serious and urgent message. Marine litter remains a daily challenge for coastal communities, impacting both the environment and livelihoods. He stands as a powerful call to tackle marine litter at its source and better support those who clear it from our shores.”
Remarkably, Tarbh was created using only marine litter collected from Scottish coastlines across Argyll. Every rope, fragment and piece of plastic used in his construction was recovered from the sea or shore – a sobering reminder of the scale of the issue.
But Tarbh’s scheduled visit to North Bute Primary School very nearly didn’t happen. He was due to be transported in Beachwatch Bute’s tractor and transport box – but the tractor refused to start.
Thankfully, help came in the shape of West Coast Motors mechanic Robert Murray, whose much-appreciated assistance ensured Tarbh made it to meet the pupils as planned.
Once on site, one detail became very clear – the amount of filament that sheds from discarded ropes. The ground quickly became littered with tiny plastic fragments, highlighting just how easily these materials break down and contribute to ongoing plastic pollution in our environment.
Beachwatch Bute is also grateful to David and Jessica Herriot, whose excellent handling skills ensured The Flotsam Bull met the schoolchildren in exceptional condition.
There had even been talk of calling upon the services of local Highland cow handler Scooby McMillan of Little Grenoch – but thanks to Tarbh’s professionalism, he was handled with ease.
Tarbh Na Muraige may be made of flotsam, but his message is crystal clear: marine litter is a daily reality for island and coastal communities like Bute.
