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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland

@ercscot.bsky.social
448 followers 686 following 113 posts

Justice for people and the environment. ercs.scot

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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
📢 We're moving away from Bluesky From 18 May, we'll be concentrating our efforts on Instagram and LinkedIn, where we can share more in-depth stories and resources. Please follow us there ⬇️ Instagram: www.instagram.com/ercscot/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/envi...
ERCS Birthday Party. Photo by Eloise Bishop.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 04/05/2026
📢 We're moving away from Bluesky From 18 May, we'll be concentrating our efforts on Instagram and LinkedIn, where we can share more in-depth stories and resources. Please follow us there ⬇️ Instagram: www.instagram.com/ercscot/ LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/envi...
ERCS Birthday Party. Photo by Eloise Bishop.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
Do you work in climate advocacy? Our friends at Stop Climate Chaos Scotland are looking for a new Advocacy Lead to join their team ⬇️
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 06/04/2026
We are rapidly growing our #FossilFreeLaw student network, challenging law firms to take bold action on the climate crisis and decline work on behalf of the oil & gas industry. Our blog provides an update on the campaign & explains why action now is so important: www.ercs.scot/blog/fossil-...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 31/03/2026
Our friends at @amnestyscotland.bsky.social have created a new digital action tool to contact your MSP candidates & call on them to support a #HumanRightsBill in the next Scottish Parliament. With our rights under attack, it's critical that we make our voices heard: tinyurl.com/mwvr2vn2
tinyurl.com
Demand your MSP candidates stand up for our everyday rights
Email your prospective MSP candidates to support our call for a Human Rights Bill in the next Scottish Parliament
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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
Fidra @fidrango.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
Sewage sludge containing PFAS, microplastics and pharmaceuticals is still being spread on the land that grows our food 🌱 A new joint briefing with @ercscot.bsky.social urges that the regulations should be strengthened to keep us safe from these harmful contaminants… 👇 fidra.org.uk/download/sew...
fidra.org.uk
ERCS & Fidra joint briefing on the risks of sewage sludge - Fidra
The risks of sewage sludge spreading on agricultural land and the need to re-evaluate
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 24/03/2026
ERCS and @fidrango.bsky.social are calling for a moratorium on sewage sludge spreading on agricultural land amid increasing concerns about risks to the environment and human health. Read our joint briefing to learn about the risks and our recommendations: www.ercs.scot/news/the-ris...
ercs.scot
The risks of sewage sludge spreading on land and the need to re-evaluate 
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 18/03/2026
Community beach clean. This postcard is about sewage pollution at Blackwaterfoot Beach (Isle of Arran), written by Megan Hamill. ➡️ Read the full postcard in our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
Dear Scottish Government, My local area is a hotspot for tourism with the beauty of the coastlines and wildlife drawing thousands of tourists every year. But as someone who walks the beach everyday I know that it is not pristine and is affected by sewage pollution.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 13/03/2026
Join us on #WorldWaterDay 22 March to send a clear message to the Scottish Government: Rivers are not sewers. Seas are not sewers. Sewage pollution doesn’t just wash away with water, it needs action. ➡️ Participate in Edinburgh & take action anywhere in Scotland: www.ercs.scot/news/clean-u...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 11/03/2026
This postcard is by Loanhead Community Garden, near the River North Esk in Midlothian. ➡️ Read the full postcard in our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
There is evidence that the River North Esk is polluted with various contaminants, litter is also a major issue.This section of the River North Esk is close to The Three Hares Community Woodland, which is tended by many volunteers to increase the biodiversity of this area. All their hard work has to be bolstered by Government efforts in order for nature to thrive. - Loanhead Community Garden
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Did you know that we have our own law firm? Since 2021, ERCS has ran Scotland’s only free legal advice service in environmental law. This year, we opened our own law firm which will also now, in some cases, offer representation in court and other legal processes. www.ercs.scot/get-advice/
From the left, in this photo are ERCS's Legal Director Dr Ben Chrisman, Chief Officer Dr Shivali Fifield and Solicitor Kate Smith. Our Law Service team also includes Assistant Legal Officer Preslava Todorova. Photo: Eloise Bishop.
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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 10/03/2026
Save the date for Sea Scotland 2026...and it’s our 10th birthday! 🎉 More details, including this year’s Sea Scotland youth event, coming soon. @youth4seas.bsky.social @mcsuk.bsky.social @scotwildlife.bsky.social @howellmarine.bsky.social @faunaflora.bsky.social 📸 NatureScot
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Do you know what our recommendations are for securing environmental rights in Scotland? Tomorrow, our Advocacy Officer Benji Brown will join @aprscotland.bsky.social to discuss our Advocacy Manifesto and barriers to environmental justice. 📅 7-8.30pm, 10/03 🎟️ Book: aprs.scot/accessing-en...
aprs.scot
Accessing Environmental Justice - Action to Protect Rural Scotland
This webinar will look at what routes there are for Environmental Justice currently in Scotland, particularly related to planning issues.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 09/03/2026
Community activists have been raising the alarm about toxic sewage sludge spreading for over two decades. With @fidrango.bsky.social, we're calling for a moratorium on sludge spreading on agricultural land while the risks and alternatives are investigated.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
Our webinar with Environmental Human Rights Defenders is back! ➡️ Hear from Defenders from Guatemala, Colombia & West Africa who have challenged power and defended our right to a healthy environment. 📆 Tuesday 24 March, 5.30-7pm 🎟️ Free, book: www.ercs.scot/news/webinar...
Illustration ‘The Hand that Feeds’ by Felipe Moia for ArtistsForClimate.org (Edited, CC-BY-NC-SA).
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 06/03/2026
We hosted our inaugural #FossilFreeLaw student gathering in Glasgow last Saturday, to roaring success! We had great participation from law students across Scotland, who came together to learn, network & develop strategy for the Fossil Free Law campaign. Get involved: www.ercs.scot/fossil-free-...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 03/03/2026
It was a pleasure to attend the @scalliance.bsky.social #LocalPeopleLeading2026 event at Scottish Parliament. An important day to highlight how critical community wealth building is and how investment beyond short-term project grants is needed.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 02/03/2026
This postcard is by Rosanna Rabaeijs, about sewage pollution in the River Almond at Cramond. ➡️ Add yours to our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 27/02/2026
With #DirtyBusiness, the sewage scandal in England is making headlines - but pollution from sewer overflows is also a problem in Scotland. ➡️ Sign the petition to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco... ➡️ Read our briefing: www.ercs.scot/wp/wp-conten...
Scotland's rivers and seas need action.
With the TV show Dirty Business, the sewage scandal in England is making headlines - but pollution from sewer overflows is also a problem in Scotland.
The campaign to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage is based on analysis of cases to our legal advice service. It's bringing together the voices of people across Scotland to demand better - for our health, rivers and seas. We have four asks. 
1. Make pollution visible, with 100% monitoring of sewer overflows. 2. Stop routine pollution, with better standards for water quality & sewage. 3. Hold polluters to account, by reviewing the resources and enforcement of regulations. 4. Build in resilience, with targets for investing into blue-green infrastructure.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 24/02/2026
This postcard is by Dorinda, about sewage pollution at Portobello Beach in Edinburgh. ➡️ Add yours to our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
Dear Scottish Government, It’s concerning that there are still so many spills into the sea from the local rivers and pipelines which make it unsafe to swim at our local seasides.Swimming in the sea is such a wonderful thing to do but we risk getting sick because companies aren’t managing their waste .  Why can’t cleaner sea be a priority?

- Dorinda"
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 18/02/2026
Pollution flowing into the Firth of Forth from the River Almond at Cramond and debris along the shoreline. ➡️ Read the full postcard by @edinburghshoreline.bsky.social in our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
Debris along the shoreline at Cramond from water flowing into the Firth of Forth from the River Almond.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 12/02/2026
🔎Hear from ERCS's Preslava Todorova on how to effectively draft Freedom of Information requests to obtain the information you need, how to challenge and appeal decisions, and the role of the Information Commissioner. 🔎
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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
Stop Ecocide International @stopecocide.bsky.social · 06/02/2026
"The bill would make Scotland the first part of the UK to create the offence of #ecocide" BBC News reports on the progress of @monicalennon.bsky.social's proposed #ecocidelaw in the Scottish parliament yesterday. Story: bbc.co.uk/news/article... #StopEcocide
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 05/02/2026
Critical win for the Ecocide (Scotland) Bill as MSPs vote to progress it to Stage 2 ⬇️ Congratulations and thanks to @monicalennon.bsky.social for her unrelenting work! We look forward to the next steps. Press release: www.ercs.scot/news/landmar...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 03/02/2026
📢 Are you ready for Scotland’s big climate & nature debate 2026? Join Our Seas Coalition, @scotlink.bsky.social, @sccscot.bsky.social, Scottish Rewilding Alliance and @foodcoalition.scot at Scotland’s biggest climate and nature hustings ahead of the 2026 elections. Sign up! shorturl.at/fBS0o
Colourful poster titled 'Scotland’s Big Climate and Nature Debate: Election Hustings' taking place on 24th February from 6 to 8 pm. Event available in Edinburgh at Augustine United Church, George IV Bridge, or online. Logos of partner organisations featured: Our Seas Coalition, Stop Climate Chaos Scotland, Scottish Environment LINK, Scottish Food Coalition, and Scottish Rewilding Alliance.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Toad patrollers have helped over 2 million toads cross roads during their annual spring migration. Incredible work by @froglife.bsky.social & volunteers! Get involved this year: www.froglife.org/what-we-do/t... #ToadsOnRoads2026
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 29/01/2026
Lots of litter on the Water of Leith by The Shore, an area with 8 sewage discharge sites regularly releasing into the river. ➡️ Read the full postcard by Jim from SOSLeith in our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
Image credit: Jim Jarvie
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 28/01/2026
Sewage-related debris accumulating in the River Almond in East Calder, West Lothian. ➡️ Read the full postcard by River Almond Action Group in our map of Scotland: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
Image credit: River Almond Action Group.Dear Scottish Government
For over five years, we have been doing unpaid work that regulators and water companies should have been doing: raising the alarm about the volume and frequency of combined sewer overflow discharges into the river, and the risk of potential impact on the environment
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
First postcards about sewage pollution are here ⬇️ As part of the campaign to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage, we're collecting postcards about sewage pollution to build a map of evidence and show the Scottish Government that you care. Find out more & write yours: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
Map from OpenStreetMap: openstreetmap.org/copyrightMap from OpenStreetMap: openstreetmap.org/copyrightMap from OpenStreetMap: openstreetmap.org/copyright
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 27/01/2026
This @theferret.scot deep-dive into lobbying in Scotland shows exactly why our lobbying laws need strengthening. ➡️ More about how regulation could be improved in our blog: www.ercs.scot/news/how-to-... ➡️ @transparencyuk.bsky.social lobbying tracker: openaccess.transparency.org.uk
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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 26/01/2026
On Jan 27, MSPs decide the fate of Scotland’s Natural Environment Bill. This is our chance for legally binding nature recovery targets. 🌍🌿🐾 MSPs can still strengthen or weaken it—we need bold action now! Like & share to help restore Scotland’s nature! 📢 #NaturalEnvironmentBill
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 21/01/2026
Are you a law student or recent graduate? Join us at our inaugural Fossil Free Law student gathering - an opportunity to network, gain campaigning skills, & strategise how to challenge ties between Scotland’s legal sector & the fossil fuel industry. Further details: www.ercs.scot/fossil-free-...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 20/01/2026
What would you want to say to the Scottish Government about sewage pollution? Here's Bill's message. Later this month, we'll be launching our map for which you can submit a postcard to build a map of evidence - watch this space. @johnswinney.bsky.social
"Dear Scottish Government,

Please ensure that Scotland's beautiful waterways are monitored for sewage; stopping the sewage releases + charging the polluters for clean-up."
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 15/01/2026
SOSLeith has been fighting against longstanding sewage pollution in the Water of Leith - and now they are one of the community action groups leading the Clean Up Scotland's Sewage campaign. ➡️ Read more in their blog: www.ercs.scot/news/save-ou... ✅ Sign the petition: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
Together (Scottish Alliance for Children's Rights) @together-sacr.bsky.social · 14/01/2026
📣Webinar: Learning from international Environmental Human Rights Defenders Hosted by @ercscot.bsky.social 📅27 January 2026 ⏰17:00 - 19:30 ‼️Online ➡️ www.ercs.scot/news/webinar...
Title and details to the event left hand side. Hand with a tree, person holding a bird, person below and a house. Graphic.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 12/01/2026
Who are Environmental Human Rights Defenders? On 27 January, we're delighted to welcome three Defenders to our webinar to speak about their work. Join us to hear from experts who have challenged power and defended our right to a healthy environment. Book: www.ercs.scot/news/webinar...
Who are Environmental Human Rights Defenders? Free webinar, 27 January. Picture of Yuli Velásquez by David Espinosa for Fine Acts (CC-BY-NC-SA, edited)According to the UN, Environmental Human Rights Defenders “strive to protect and promote human rights relating to the environment, including water, air, land, flora and fauna.” They fight issues such as pollution, reckless exploitation of natural resources and land grabs. Many are Indigenous Peoples, people of African descent and/or part of traditional communities. Picture of Sevidzem Ernestine Leikeki by Anina Takeff for Fine Acts (CC-BY-NC-SA, edited).Whilst protecting human rights and nature, Environmental Human Rights Defenders face severe threats. According to Global Witness, at least 146 were murdered or disappeared in 2024. In 2020, the UN Special Rapporteur on the situation of human rights defenders reported that they are the most targeted group of human rights defenders.
Picture of Caroline Cannon by Pati Matsushita for Fine Acts (CC-BY-NC-SA, edited).On 27 January, you can hear directly from three Environmental Human Rights Defenders at our free webinar. This is an incredible opportunity to learn from those who have truly challenged power to defend our human rights and nature. For security reasons the webinar won't be recorded so please book your place now: ERCS.SCOT
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 08/01/2026
Great opportunity to work with Friends of the Earth Scotland - still a couple days left to apply ⬇️
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Learn from Environmental Human Rights Defenders ⬇️ In the past year, we've seen our right to protest curtailed and human rights come under siege. Join us to hear from experts who have challenged power and defended our right to a healthy environment. Book: www.ercs.scot/news/webinar...
Illustration ‘The Hand that Feeds’ by Felipe Moia for ArtistsForClimate.org (Edited, CC-BY-NC-SA).
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 17/12/2025
Why is air pollution still a health risk in Scotland? And what can we do about it? Join our free webinar on 20 January to hear from medical experts, environmental advocates & community campaigners on how to guarantee our right to clean air. Book now: www.ercs.scot/news/lunchti...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 10/12/2025
What are sewer overflows? Our new campaign to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage focusses on pollution from sewer overflows – here’s how they work. Sign the petition to demand action: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco... Thanks to @sosleith.bsky.social for the first photo.
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 09/12/2025
Today we are publishing a summary of key policies that we are urging Scottish parties to include in their manifestos at the 2026 Holyrood elections. Read more: www.ercs.scot/wp/wp-conten... #scottishpolitics #elections #environmentalrights
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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
Scottish Community Alliance @scalliance.bsky.social · 18/11/2025
Communities are already building community wealth across Scotland 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 As the Scottish Government’s Community Wealth Building Bill progresses this week, it presents a vital opportunity. But it must empower the people already leading the way. www.scottishcommunityalliance.org.uk/news/communi...
scottishcommunityalliance.org.uk
Community Wealth Building isn’t new – Scotland’s communities have been doing it for years - Scottish Community Alliance
With the Community Wealth Building Bill due to complete Stage 1 this Thursday, Scotland need only look to its communities to see what becomes possible when people are given the power and resources to ...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Clean Up Scotland's Sewage has over 300 signatures! ⚠️ Last week, the Water Industry Commission for Scotland reported that Scottish Water is off track with improving sewer overflows which cause pollution or are in breach of their permit. Join in calling for action: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
Scottish Environment LINK @scotlink.bsky.social · 04/12/2025
Why do we need targets for nature recovery? 🎯🌱 climate goals, legally binding nature targets are crucial for Scotland to drive real investment & strategic restoration. Past efforts fell short without them. It's time for decisive leadership! Read more: www.scotlandlovesnature.scot/we-need-natu...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 26/11/2025
On Saturday at Leith Market, we asked what you wanted to say to the Scottish Government about sewage pollution. Here's Alice's message ⬇️ Sign the petition: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
"Dear Scottish Government, 

No one wants sewage in our waters. You don't want it. I don't want it. No one wants it. And yet, apparently this thing no one wants is too much of an effort to deal with.In years of volunteering along the Water of Leith, I have picked hundreds of wet wipes out of trees. And swimming in the Forth has made me sick too many times. No one wants this. It's worth the effort - and cost - to fix it for our future."
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 25/11/2025
We want to clean up Scotland's sewage - here's how ⬇️ There is clear evidence that our sewer system is no longer fit for purpose. We are calling all Scottish parties to make clean water a priority in their election manifestos. Join us by signing the petition: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 24/11/2025
We've been blown away by your support for Clean Up Scotland's Sewage! Thank you to everyone who joined our launch at Edinburgh on Saturday and has already signed the petition. 🌊 Add your name here: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
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Reposted by Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland
River Almond Action Group @riveralmondaction.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
Today RAAG joined @sosleith.bsky.social to launch @ercscot.bsky.social national campaign to Clean Up Scotland’s Sewage. We demand that we stop dumping sewage into Scotland’s beautiful waterways. Add your voice by signing the petition at www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 22/11/2025
Sign the petition to Clean Up Scotland's Sewage! Today, we are at Leith Market in Edinburgh with River Almond Action Group and SOSLeith to launch a new national campaign to tackle sewage pollution in Scotland and protect our right to a healthy environment. Sign: www.ercs.scot/clean-up-sco...
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Environmental Rights Centre for Scotland @ercscot.bsky.social · 21/11/2025
Is climate emergency planning inclusive of disabled people? Together with Inclusion Scotland and the Sensing Climate Project, we looked at Scotland's climate and emergency planning policies and listened to disabled people. Read a summary of the work so far. www.ercs.scot/news/disabil...
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