TURNING the tide on plastic pollution in our seas and oceans will be discussed next week at the latest Royal Scottish Geographical Society talk in Galashiels.

Marine expert Catherine Gemmell has been at the forefront of the the fight in recent years.

And she will provide an insight into the ongoing battle to clean our seas and beaches.

Catherine said: "I am absolutely honoured to have been invited by RSGS to speak as part of their Inspiring People talks programme on my lifelong passion for Scotland's incredible marine environment.

“From rock-pooling along the Moray coast as a young girl, to Scuba Diving across Scotland during my time at Aberdeen University, to ocean litter campaigning with the Marine Conservation Society, I can't wait to share some of my stories and hopefully inspire others to take action to protect Scotland's incredible seas.”

The impact of plastic in our oceans has been seen on our wildlife and may have further, as yet unknown, consequences on both human and ocean health.

Recently, however, interest has surged in doing more to protect the marine environment and address a global crisis in single-use plastics and ocean pollution.

Riding this wave of interest, Catherine has been working tirelessly to encourage an increasing number of people and policies in Scotland to stop the incoming plastic tide.

Now, in a talk to the Royal Scottish Geographical Society she will give an insight into what exactly is taking place across our country to give our seas and coastlines the protection they deserve.

As part of this talk, Catherine will explain how volunteers on the ground – and up in the air – are locating and disposing of litter and pollutants around Scotland’s shores. She’ll also cover the action and solutions that are required within industry and at government level to ensure the sustainability of our oceans today and tomorrow.

Mike Robinson, Chief Executive of RSGS said: “Catherine’s passion for Scotland’s coastline is infectious. I hope her enthusiasm will rub off on our audiences and inspire them to think more closely about their impact on the natural world.”

Catherine will be speaking in Galashiels on Tuesday, February 26 at the Scottish Borders Campus, Nether Road, Galashiels.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite or on the door for walk-ins.

Tickets are £10 for Visitors, £8 for Tiso Outdoor Experience Cardholders and FREE for RSGS Members, Students and U18s.