AYR is set to play a part of the battle against waste bottles thanks to an unusual Scottish Water campaign.

The ‘Your Water, Your Life’ is setting up water bottle refilling stations, including one in Newmarket Street in Ayr, to promote the drinking of tap water. 

As part of this campaign, a national search was carried out to identify suitable locations for water bottle refill stations that are accessible to the maximum number of people as possible. 

Businesses are also being asked to make it easier for customers to top up refillable containers at their premises.

During a visit to the town, Newmarket Street was found to be the only site that fulfilled all of Scottish Water’s criteria. 

The ‘Your Water, Your life’ campaign aims to cut down on single-use plastic bottles and to get more Scots drinking tap water when away from the house.

Scottish Water says it wants to change the way tap water is consumed.

Scottish Water chief executive Douglas Millican said: “We’re calling on our five million customers to help us create a positive shift in the way tap water is consumed in Scotland.

“The benefits of topping up with fresh, great tasting Scottish tap water are clear. It’s good for the pocket, good for the environment and good for your health.

“By prompting Scotland’s water drinkers to refill reusable bottles from the tap, our hope is that more and more people take advantage of the world-class drinking water they have at their fingertips, every day.

Environment Secretary Roseanna Cunningham said: “This is a fantastic campaign which fits in with our work to reduce Scotland’s dependence on single use plastic and is raising awareness of the health benefits of drinking more tap water, which is excellent in quality and value.

“We would encourage people to make the switch to reusable bottles if they can as it will help protect the environment and can save money. This campaign also builds on our commitments to tackle our throwaway culture as we are the first part of the UK to commit to a deposit return scheme.”

Scottish Waters says the quality of its supplies are of a high standard.

Water samples from across Scotland are tested every two minutes to maintain quality.

Installation of the station, if approved, will take around 7 – 10 working days and will be on top of the existing slabs, with the unit secured with steel bolts.