Lottery winners worth almost £100million volunteered at a South Ayrshire beach to help keep the beauty spot litter free ahead of the school summer holidays.

The group of 20 lottery winners from across Scotland scoured the coastline for litter and tiny pieces of plastic waste which can be harmful to the environment.

Included in the team of volunteers were couples Lesley and Fred Higgins who won £57.9million in 2018, Alison and John Doherty who won £14million in 2016 and Steve Glover who won £1million last year.

Environmental charity Keep Scotland Beautiful teamed up with the group who were also given an insight into the types of rubbish which are regularly found dropped or washed up on the shoreline.

They learned about the importance of keeping Scotland's beaches clean and safe for the well-being, not just of visitors to the beach, but also the wildlife.

The group focused their efforts on Troon's South Beach and came away with almost 30 sacks of rubbish, ranging from plastic bottles and caps, string, rope, fishing line, wet wipes and plastic toys to cans, paper, cigarette ends and an array of other plastics. 

Barry Fisher, CEO  of Keep Scotland Beautiful joined the winners on the beach, said: “It has been a very successful morning and we have really enjoyed working with the local National Lottery winners to help make a difference to this stretch of much-loved coastline. 

“Our charitable work aims to inspire behaviour change to improve our environment, the quality of people’s lives, their well-being and the places they love. By carrying out litter picks we help to keep Scotland just that little bit more beautiful for us all – and I would like to thank everyone for their support.”

READ MORE: Keep Scotland Beautiful thank South Ayrshire residents for spring clean efforts

Alison said: “I have learned so much today about our coastline – it has been a truly wonderful experience working alongside Keep Scotland Beautiful.

“Myself and fellow winners support numerous charities throughout the year and it is always a great feeling to be doing something so worthwhile. 

“The coastline is close to my heart and Keep Scotland Beautiful has really made me think even further about all of the little things which we can all do to ensure we are all living in the best possible environments.”

Keep Scotland Beautiful has received five grants worth £1.7 million from The National Lottery. The most recent grant was given just last year for a project focussing on community waste in the Highlands.

As an environmental charity, they work to inspire people to combat climate change, tackle litter and waste, restore nature and biodiversity and improve Scotland.

EuroMillions winner Fred Higgins added: “I cannot believe some of the items which we have picked up. It really is quite unbelievable what can be washed up on our beautiful beaches.

“The beaches are here for everyone and it is just fabulous to get involved in such a worthwhile project which so many people will benefit from!”

Lotto winner Steve Glover said: “I moved to Scotland’s glorious highlands and the coast following my National Lottery win – which made this dream possible. It has been a privilege to take part in the litter pick today – I cannot believe some of the items which we have found.

"I have also learned so much from the charity too and even more things which we can all do to protect and enhance our local environment!”