Scotlandâs landmark 100th Top Up Tap has been unveiled in the shadow of the countryâs best-known water sprits the Kelpies.
Visitors to the award-winning Helix Park at Falkirk will now be able to stay hydrated on the go as they take in the giant mythical horse heads known as Duke and Baron.
Scottish Waterâs newest water tap is the first to officially be given a name â âThe Flow-er of Scotlandâ was chosen as part of a competition for radio listeners run in partnership with Planet Radio.
They evoke the ancient Scottish legend of the water-dwelling colts and attract more than 750,000 visitors every year.
The attraction was named Scotlandâs Greatest Day Out at the recent VisitScotland Thistle Awards for tourism and has environmental sustainability at the heart of its operation.
Scottish Waterâs Director of Corporate Affairs, Brian Lironi, said:
âWeâre delighted to unveil Scotlandâs 100th tap at such an iconic location linked to one of the countryâs most evocative water legends, the Kelpies.
âThousands of people will be able to enjoy this amazing site and stay topped up with Scottish tap water as they walk around these remarkable sculptures.
âSince the first tap was installed outside the Scottish Parliament five years ago, they have enabled people to use refillable bottles, reduce plastic consumption and waste and protect the environment.â
The country-wide network of distinctive blue taps provides people with free drinking water from the Shetlands to Stranraer â and since their launch in 2018 have filled the equivalent of five million 330ml single-use plastic bottles, helping reduce litter and waste.
The taps also encourage people to top up and stay hydrated on the go.
Councillor Cecil Meiklejohn, Leader of Falkirk Council, said:
âProviding healthy and free drinking water at the Helix is a great initiative from Scottish Water and will certainly help with our commitment to reduce single use plastics and waste.
âLocating the 100th tap at the Helix is great recognition for this amazing visitor attraction and weâre sure will be very welcomed by local residents and tourists alike.â
Arlene Stuart, co-host of Planet Radioâs Morning Show with Boogie said:
âWe had such fun with Scottish Water trying to come up with a name.
“So many people got in touch with their suggestions and hopefully weâve encouraged more people to top up from the tap.
âWe received more than 200 entries showing there was a real interest in being involved.
“For us, the name âFlow-er of Scotlandâ really stood out â it’s an iconic piece of music and itâs fitting for a landmark tap like this.â
The newest tap is now one of a network across Scotland located in High Streets and harbours and parks and promenades. More are being planned throughout the country.Â
The taps are connected to the public water supply, and each has digital tracking technology which logs how much water is being used and how much plastic potentially saved. Â Â
More information about our taps and our Your Water Your Life campaign:
www.scottishwater.co.uk/Your-Home/Campaigns/Your-Water-Your-Life