Cheryl-Ann Cruickshank, the prospective Labour Party Candidate for the Dundee City East Scottish Parliament Constituency, was out on the Dighty today with Iain MacDonald, reminding everyone of the dangers of the Giant Hogweed plant.

Iain stated that “Everyone in Dundee needs to be aware of this plant as it is becoming much more widespread in Dundee City East – with hotspots in the constituency both along the Dighty and the dockside path.”

“All contact with the plant should be avoided – even brushing against the leaves.  The greatest danger, though, lies in its sap.  It may not cause burning right away, but later, when that skin is exposed to sunlight, it can cause severe burns, blistering, and long-term scarring. If any contact is made with these plants, the affected skin should be washed immediately with soap and water, and kept out of sunlight. If blisters or rashes develop, then you should use the 111 NHS service.” 

“In July 2021, a 3-year old girl did suffer such serious burns on her hands – at a spot near the Grassy Beach. Let’s avoid any repeat incidents.”

Cheryl-Ann also noted, worryingly,  that the Giant Hogweed is common on the Dighty right beside the new Drumgeith Community Campus/Greenfield Academy.   Some efforts have been made to kill some plants but only haphazardly, and it needs to be properly tackled systematically – otherwise these same areas will simply reseed from the plants upstream. The council is therefore wasting time and money. Similarly, the railway line along the docks appears as a forest of Giant Hogweed, and spraying a few plants nearest the dock path is similarly wasteful.   

However, the Giant Hogweed is now flowering this year so no further control is worthwhile, so awareness is vital.

Cheryl-Ann and Iain urge residents and especially parents to learn to recognise the Giant Hogweed plant – and avoid it!”