A tap at Glenfinnan’s National Trust Visitor Centre was the most used ‘top-up tap’ in the Highlands this summer, according to statistics released by Scottish Water.
The tap, installed in 2021, dispensed 11,000 litres to thirsty visitors between May and August, close to a third of the 35,597 litres drawn from the 11 free-to-use top up taps installed across the Highlands.
It was followed by taps in Drumnadrochit and Nairn.
Fort William finished last on the Highland list, with 816 litres, although no data was presented for Ullapool, Mallaig and John O’Groats.
Launched in 2018 in a move to help reduce single use plastic across Scotland, the top- up tap initiative has seen distinctive blue public taps installed across the nation, with its 100th tap recently opening at The Kelpies statues in Falkirk.
According to Scottish Water, the programme has seen people top up the equivalent of nearly six million single use plastic bottles since its launch, and led to a 19 per cent increase in people carrying a refillable bottle.
The popularity of Glenfinnan’s tap, which was the 50th to be installed, reflects the village’s increasing visitor numbers. The National Trust has reported 444,000 people have attended its visitor centre to date in 2023, a 44 per cent rise since last year.
Despite Glenfinnan topping the Highland list, it only placed 28th nationally, which was headed by the 32,000 litres tallied at Edinburgh’s Grassmarket.
Brian Lironi, director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water, said: “It’s brilliant that so many locals and visitors alike are using our top-up taps in such numbers.
“But nothing would make us happier than seeing them used even more! There couldn’t be many better reasons for carrying a refillable water bottle and topping up when you’re out and about – it’s good for your health, good for your pocket and good for the planet.
“Water is our most precious natural resource and we want the people of Scotland and visitors to have access whenever they need it.”
People can find their closest top up tap by visiting www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk/tapmap and either searching by postcode or from the complete list.