Fresh Water Top Up Scheme launched by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN) enables visitors and residents to refill water bottles at 30 participating businesses
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A scheme has been launched in the Inverness and Loch Ness area to provide residents and visitors with free access to tap water when out and about in the area.
So far, 30 businesses have signed up to the Fresh Water Top Up Scheme, introduced by Visit Inverness Loch Ness (VILN), allowing anyone to refill their water bottles at their premises.
It aims to reduce plastic use and waste while ensuring locals and visitors stay hydrated when exploring the natural environment,
An estimated 12.5 million plastic bottles litter Scotland each year, according to 2019 research by Zero Waste Scotland.
Participating businesses include An Talla by Loch Ness, the Glen Mhor Hotel and apartments, Foyers Stores and Waterfall Café, Black BOX Food, Torvean Caravan Park and Lodges, Bazpackers, Moray Park Guest House, Glenkirk Bed and Breakfast, Tomich Holidays, The Lovat Loch Ness Ltd, Triquerta Crafts, Glenview, Best Western Palace Hotel and Spa, Craigdon Mountain Sports Inverness, Abertarff House, Am-Bothan IV2, Pinewood Steading, Fiddlers Restaurant, Morag's Lodge, Corner on the Square, Petra Palumbo, Inver Coille Camping and Glamping, The Kemps, Priory Hotel, Eden Court, Loch Ness Backpackers Lodge, Loch Ness Hub and Travel, Oakvilla Guest House, Kingsmills Hotel and Highland Campervans.
An interactive map can be found at WaterTopUp showing users the closest water top up locations.
Stickers will also be on display in the windows of participating shops, restaurants and accommodation providers.
Emma Harrison, destination development manager at VILN, said: "Plastic waste has repercussions on our environment, so we must collectively reduce our reliance on single use plastic and live more sustainably.
"The introduction of the Fresh Water Top Up Scheme is just one of the ways we can help.
"Loch Ness is home to some of the best hiking in the world and attracts visitors from far and wide. Not only amazing for hiking, Inverness and Loch Ness offer a diverse destination in a stunning, natural landscape.
"As visitors head off on their journeys, it is now much easier to plan where to fill up water bottles and stay hydrated while exploring the area."
Craig Ewan, operations director at Kingsmills Hotel in Inverness, said: "We are delighted to be part of this scheme, promoting our quality Highland water and trying to reduce the need for single use plastic."
Top-up tap enables walkers, cyclists and visitors to fill their water bottles
Any businesses wanting to sign up should email emma@viln.com.
"We’d love to get other businesses around the destination involved in the scheme too, whether they are Visit Inverness Loch Ness members or not," Ms Harrison added.
