Top hotel backs push for deposit on bottles

ONE of Scotland’s top hotels is backing calls for a bottle deposit scheme to help tackle Scotland’s litter problem.

Crieff Hydro bosses said campaigners had convinced them of the ‘positive impact’ such an initiative could have.

They attended a meeting with local MSP Murdo Fraser, other businesses and Have You Got the Bottle campaigners.

Earlier this year, the Scottish Daily Mail launched a campaign calling for a scheme which could see customers charged a small deposit of up to 10p when buying plastic bottles or cans which would be returned which empties are taken back for recycling.

The initiative has gained widespread support but concerns have been raised about the potential impact on businesses, so campaigners have been meeting bosses around country.

James Mackenzie, of the Have You Got The Bottle campaign, recently met representatives of Crieff Hydro, Birnam Arts Centre, Giraffe Trading, Mountaineering Scotland and Tory MSP Murdo Fraser.

Alexandra MacDonald, welfare and environment manager at Crieff Hydro, said: ‘It was a very informative and productive discussion about similar waste management practices in other countries and the positive impact that it would have here.

‘It is definitely something that should be considered.’

Mr Fraser said: ‘Perthshire is one of the most beautiful parts of the country and we need to consider all options that will help reduce litter in our towns and countryside and help protect the environment.’