Youngsters paid tribute to one of Dumfries’ most celebrated former residents when they unveiled a new water refill tap in the town.
The high tech Top Up Tap has been installed by Scottish Water on Queensberry Square as part of its national initiative to encourage people to carry a reusable bottle and stay hydrated on the go.
Primary 2 pupils from Noblehill Primary School donned 18th century outfits and recited some poems by Robert Burns. They used drinking vessels from around the same time as Scotland’s national Bard who lived in the town when they became the first users of the town’s new water tap. Two older pupils marked the launch by playing the bagpipes and a chanter.
The unit, which is connected to the mains water supply and inspected regularly, digitally tracks the water usage and records both cost and plastic savings. A recent Scotland-wide study found that almost two thirds (65 per cent) of people now carry a refillable water bottle with them at least some of the time.
Youngsters are amongst the biggest users of refill bottles and schools teach children from an early age about plastic pollution and about how precious the water cycle is.
Pupils from Noblehill Primary School loved filling their bottles from the new tap. Headteacher Kathryn Fraser said: “This tap will help promote and contribute to a healthy lifestyle, reduce litter and help minimise the amount of plastic in the environment which fits well with our school eco aims and priorities. This is a great addition to Dumfries town centre and we have no doubt many people will make full use of it. We’re delighted to support this campaign to encourage people to make the most of the lovely, fresh tap water we have in this country.”
