Scottish Water’s Top Up Tap initiative has saved the equivalent of 15 million single-use 330ml plastic bottles.

As part of the company’s Your Water Your Life campaign, the initiative promotes the use of refillable water bottles to reduce plastic waste and support environmental sustainability. It has become increasingly popular, with 131 Top Up Taps now installed across Scotland.

The first tap was installed at the Scottish Parliament in October 2018.

The taps provide free access to high-quality drinking water, allowing individuals to refill their water bottles on the go. Each tap is equipped with technology that tracks water usage, providing data on cost savings, plastic reduction and water volume.

According to Scottish Water, the most used Top Up Tap is located at The Meadows in Edinburgh. Other high-traffic locations include Buchanan Street in Glasgow and the Scottish Parliament. The taps are located from Lerwick in the north to Portpatrick in the south.

Alex Plant, chief executive of Scottish Water, said: “We are thrilled that so many people have used the taps, saving the equivalent of 15 million single-use plastic bottles. We thank everyone who fills up from our big blue taps with a reusable bottle and hope more people will do the same in the future.

“With summer approaching and more of us out and about, we urge everyone to carry a refillable bottle and use our Top Up Taps to stay hydrated. Drinking plenty of water is essential for concentration, health and performance. With 131 distinctive Top Up Taps across the country, you can easily top up while on the go."