Crisp packet dating back 50 years discovered on beach

A dog walker was shocked after discovering a crisp packet dating back nearly 50 years on a beach in East Lothian.

Tracey Radnall, 60, found the plastic Golden Wonder ready salted crisps packet on Tyninghame Beach near Dunbar.

She was walking her eight-year-old Cocker Spaniel Bertie on the afternoon of November 19 when she spotted the dated packaging lying on the sand near some rocks.

The printing on the packet was quite weathered but Tracey, from Stenton could make out ‘Golden Wonder Crisps’ on the front and she was shocked when she saw the 6D (sixpence) price.

In 1971, the sixpence piece remained in circulation but was reduced in value and taken out of circulation in 1980.

Tracey said: “We’ve had some big tides this time of year – they’re quite powerful. The sea was rough that day.

“It was just lying on the sand on its own near a rocky bit of beach. Sure enough it said 6D.

Tracey Radnall said it's the oldest piece of litter she's found. — Tracey Radnall said it’s the oldest piece of litter she’s found. SWNS

“I’m over a certain age and remember the decimal thing. It’s from at least 1971.

“There’s hardly any damage to it – it’s amazing.”

Tracey, a graphic designer, said it’s the oldest piece of litter she’s found.

However, she believes the old crisp packet should be a warning of the impact of plastic pollution, which can take hundreds of years to break down in the sea.

She said: “It’s a big expanse of beach and I’m always clearing up stuff when out walking the dog.

“It’s the oldest bit of litter I’ve found. I’m always gobsmacked at how far fishing crates travel.

“I’ve found ones from the northeast of Scotland and even Holland. It’s quite shocking how long plastic lasts for.

“It’s important for people to be aware of this stuff.”