Bring your own bottle kids

Parents in Wishaw are being encouraged to ensure their kids’ back to school regime includes a key item along with the standard blazer, gym kit and pencil case – a reusable water bottle.

Acclaimed Scots health and nutrition expert Amanda Hamilton is supporting a drive by Scottish Water to remind both parents and children of the benefits of taking a reusable water bottle to use at school.

Amanda, a mother-of-two and bestselling author, said: “Encouraging children to have a regular water intake throughout the school day is a vital aspect to maintain good health.

“It has been proven that through drinking water and staying hydrated children are more attentive and focused during lessons.

“We are lucky to have safe and delicious water from the tap, we should all be making the most of it. For parents trying to wean kids off sugary drinks, it can help to add a slice or orange, or lemon to tap water for extra flavour.

“Like many families, in my home we do all we can do reduce the use of plastic. We’ve made it part of the daily routine to re-fill water bottles from the tap.

“By highlighting the benefits of a reusable water bottle and filling up from the tap, we are helping to instil in children the small daily habits that can make a big difference.”

Amanda’s call comes as Scottish Water continues to expand its ‘ Your Water Your Life’ campaign which aims to encourage people to top up from the tap to benefit the environment, their health and their pocket.

To encourage people to stay hydrated on the go, a network of Top up Taps is being installed throughout the country.

The first 10 have been switched on – including Scotland’s first outside the Scottish Parliament - with plans to introduce more over the coming months.