Scottish Water turns on Top up Tap at Loch Ness Hub in Drumnadrochit for walkers, cyclists and visitors to fill reusable water bottles for free and help reduce single-use plastic
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A new Top up Tap near Loch Ness is providing thirsty residents and visitors with a free and accessible place to fill up their reusable water bottles.
The tap, which has been turned on by Scottish Water, is at the edge of the Loch Ness Hub car park in Drumnadrochit and close to the route of the Great Glen Way.
It aims to help people cut down on single-use plastics while drinking more of Scotland’s tap water.
It follows the recent completion of a project to upgrade the key water main through the centre of Drumnadrochit, ensuring the local water network can support the community's growth while continuing to provide all customers with a reliable supply of fresh, clear water.
The project, which was carried out in two phases, has seen about 1km of new water mains laid along the A831 near Kilmichael and the A82 through the village.
It was delivered on Scottish Water’s behalf by contractor Mackenzie Construction.
Scottish Water corporate affairs manager Gavin Steel, urged people to make use of the tap which is one of 75 – and the eighth in the Highlands – now installed at sites across Scotland including harbours, beaches, national parks, botanical gardens and other top tourist attractions.
"The location was originally suggested by the team at the Loch Ness Hub and we hope it will add to the great range of information, facilities and services that the site provides, as well as being useful to residents," Mr Steel said.
"I’d encourage everyone to make use of it – it's good for you, it’s good for your pocket and it’s a great way to help the environment too.
"We recognise that upgrading water mains in major roads causes some unavoidable disruption – and I would like to thank residents and road users for their patience while our team was working on site earlier in the year."
Russell Fraser, manager of the Loch Ness Hub, said the community was grateful to Scottish Water for the additional asset which could be used by residents and visitors.
"As a community transport hub, we are working hard towards improving awareness and promotion of all the fantastic walking and cycling trails we have throughout Glen Urquhart and as a result we are seeing more and more requests for people seeking somewhere to top up their refillable water bottles - so we are sure the tap will be very gladly received," he said.
Go to www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk for more information about Scottish Water’s campaign.
