Taking Big Steps To Enjoy Top Up Taps Network in Scotland

Scotland’s expanding network of distinctive water refill stations is set to inspire people to enjoy and protect the nation’s great outdoors this Autumn.

Article Source: Scottish Water
Last Updated: 11 October 2021 13:56

Scottish Water’s Top Up Taps (TUTs) are located across cities, towns and rural sites which allow people on-the-go to refill their water bottles for free while also doing their bit to reduce litter.

And now two of Scotland’s best-known walking and outdoors organisations - Paths for All and Ramblers Scotland - have joined the wave by supporting the drive to encourage more walkers, runners and cyclists to seek out the taps on their outings.

The Top up Taps are part of Scottish Water’s Your Water Your Life campaign, which was launched in June 2018 to emphasise the vital role water plays in the lives of people across Scotland.

There are already 60 Top Up Taps situated across Scotland with more to be installed over the rest of the year in town squares, city centres, sea fronts and even iconic landmarks.

And with Scotland’s famed Autumn beauty about to shine, it’s the perfect time to visit some of the existing taps in these locations. Towns boasting taps already include St Andrews, Linlithgow and Perth. Spot some of the blue taps in and around the city centre too at Glasgow Buchanan Street, Edinburgh Royal Mile and Stirling. There is even some taps situated in iconic Scottish locations like Glenfinnan Viaduct and the Scottish Parliament. Individuals can also enjoy fresh tap water while taking a trip to the seaside in Irvine and Portobello.

Rona Gibb, Senior Manager at Paths for All, said: "We can all do our bit to protect the environment and Top Up Taps make the choice to carry a refillable bottle when out walking an easy one.

“Here at Paths for All, we're encouraging everyone to walk for short daily journeys, as it's not only healthy, but driving less reduces our carbon emissions.

“It is of course important to stay hydrated when walking and that's why we love to see these taps popping up in our towns and cities across Scotland.

“They make it convenient for everyone to make the small daily changes - like walking and carrying tap water - that will collectively make a big difference to reducing pollution, and helping tackle climate change."

Brendan Paddy, Ramblers Scotland director, said: “We warmly welcome Scottish Water’s roll-out of free refill taps at popular outdoor locations across the country.

“We’re sure that they will prove very popular with thirsty walkers, while also helping to reduce plastic waste and protect the environments in which we all love to walk.”

Brian Lironi, Director of Corporate Affairs at Scottish Water, said: “Our Top up Taps mean people out and about can stay hydrated by filling up for free with our top quality tap water – this is ‘your’ water after all, so we want to make sure you can enjoy it as easy and often as possible.

“Topping up with fresh, great-tasting tap water brings so many benefits – it’s good for the pocket, it’s good for the planet and great for your health too.

“And as we’re set to once more enjoy Scotland’s amazing Autumn scenery and beauty, while ‘leaving only footprints’, having your own water bottle and ready supply of water in so many locations makes that so much more easier to achieve.

“We’d encourage people to keep an eye out for our eye-catching blue taps on their travels.”

Each of the distinctive, high-tech water stations is plumbed directly into the public water supply and each has digital tracking technology which logs how much water is being used and how much plastic potentially saved.

A full list of the current and planned Top up Taps is available on a dedicated website https://www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk/

Got a story to share? Send us an email at hello[@]whatsonnetwork.co.uk

Latest Edinburgh News

50 Scottish entrepreneurs gather in Edinburgh for National Mentoring Day

More than 50 entrepreneurs from across Scotland gathered in Edinburgh this week for Edinburgh Mentor Match - a free business speed mentoring session run by Virgin StartUp.

OMNi teams up with local school and partners for Creative Milestone Initiative

Edinburgh’s OMNi Centre has teamed up with Scottish artist Helen Denerley and Edinburgh Zoo to deliver a primary school design project for the Dreaming Spires sculpture’s 20th anniversary.

The Scottish Excellence Awards are open for entries

Nominations are open for the highly anticipated Scottish Excellence Awards 2026, a celebration of Scotland's hospitality, foodservice and tourism sectors.

Halloween Events Round Up for Edinburgh Restaurants

Take a look at some of the Halloween events taking place in Edinburgh Restaurants this week!

Sterling Home brings festive cheer with heartfelt Christmas donation

Leading furniture retailer Sterling Home is lighting up the festive season with a generous donation of Christmas decorations and furniture to children’s hospices and hospitals across Scotland.

Dobbies Garden Centres hosts free to attend winter gardening workshop for kids

Dobbies is hosting a free-to-attend monthly gardening workshop on Sunday 2 November, for children across the country to discover how they can encourage winter birds into the garden.

Simply Greek Opens Vibrant New Home Near the Playhouse

Simply Greek, the family-owned restaurant adored for its authentic Greek flavours, is proving a hit with diners in its stunning new home, right across from the iconic Edinburgh Playhouse.

Autumn Offers at Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection

Marine & Lawn Hotels & Resorts Collection have launched new offerings designed to inspire cosy autumn getaways and early festive escapes across Scotland.

Five star spa in the capital awarded top UK accolade

The One Spa, one of Scotland’s most luxurious spas, has secured the highest honour from the UK’s most prestigious spa authority.

One more! A quarter of Scots say they will spend their extra hour in the pub as clocks go back

To celebrate, Innis & Gunn is hosting 'Sunset Sessions' at its three Taprooms in Glasgow and Edinburgh, with live trad music performances kicking off at 4.50pm - the exact time of sunset!

Illusions, Laughter, Shape Shifters and Dark Mysteries at MagicFest

Unleash your inner magic – MagicFest, Edinburgh’s annual avalanche of illusion, sleight of hand, mystery and laughter.

Snooker Giants Set For Edinburgh

The draw and schedule for the BetVictor Scottish Open in Edinburgh is out now and fans are strongly urged to book tickets fast!

Where to spend Christmas in Edinburgh

The Scott Hotel and its restaurant, Bonnars, have unveiled its highly anticipated festive packages, offering both luxurious overnight escapes and festive fine dining for visitors and Edinburgh locals.

Edinburghs Hogmanay announces music and comedy programme

Edinburgh’s Hogmanay has today announced a music and comedy programme spanning four days of the festival, with Scottish talent topping the bill.

Loganair marks four year partnership with CHAS with aircraft naming

Loganair has marked the fourth anniversary of its partnership with Children’s Hospices Across Scotland (CHAS) by naming one of its aircraft in honour of the charity.

Vittoria Group teams up with Hirundine Whisky for Edinburgh wide partnership

Edinburgh’s top restaurant group is raising a glass to a new partnership with Hirundine Whisky, the premium single malt created by Scottish rugby stars Duhan van der Merwe and Pierre Schoeman.

Popeyes announces Fort Kinnaird opening date

Popeyes® UK fans in Fort Kinnaird can get their hands on the viral Chicken Sandwich from Monday 3rd November, with free Chicken Sandwiches for the first 100 in the queue.

Master of the Universe finds its new home outside the National gallery

Having lived at National Galleries Scotland: Modern Two since the early 2000’s, Eduardo Paolozzi’s Master of the Universe finds its new home outside the National.

Gilded Saloon announce new weekly comedy night and autumn programme

The Gilded Saloon, Edinburgh’s latest arts venue has announced a brand new programme of autumn events ranging from a weekly comedy night, theatre, sketch shows, music, magic and more.

Dream job in Edinburgh up for grabs as Prezzo Italian searches for first ever Chief Tasting Officer

To celebrate the launch of its new George Street restaurant, Prezzo Italian is offering food lovers the chance to land what might be the city’s tastiest new role of ‘Chief Tasting Officer'.

Halloween is just around the corner and The Ivy Edinburgh has some scarily good things up their sleeve to help celebrate

This spooky season, take a stroll down the yellow brick road and into The Ivy On The Square, Edinburgh as it transforms into The Ivy Emerald City.

Potential changes to permitted development rights are putting beloved live music venues at risk

The public are urged to take part in the Scottish Government's consultation on planning laws, warning that the changes could put the country's live music venues and pubs at risk. 

Where Science Meets Santa: Winter Wonderland Returns to Dynamic Earth

This Christmas, Dynamic Earth, Edinburgh’s Science Centre and Planetarium, is transforming once again into a Winter Wonderland.

Get ready for Edinburgh Diwali 2025

Edinburgh city centre will be awash with colour on Sunday 2nd November as Edinburgh Diwali marks 10 years of uniting communities and celebrating diversity.

Festive line up announced for Lost Shore Surf Resort

Ho Ho Ho! Festive line-up announced for Lost Shore Surf Resort - Featuring visits from Mrs Claus and the return of the festive cinema.

Festival announces its new commission by Marc Brew

Imaginate has announced its next Expo-funded Festival commission will be by award-winning disabled dance artist and choreographer Marc Brew, as part of an increased focus on disabled-led work.

Virgin StartUp invites Scottish entrepreneurs to the Edinburgh Mentor Match

Scottish entrepreneurs are being invited to an electrifying free networking event on 27th October for National Mentoring Day at Virgin Hotels Edinburgh.

Scottish chef Tony Singh MBE joins Loganair as first ever Brand Ambassador

Loganair, the UK’s leading regional airline, has appointed celebrated Scottish chef Tony Singh MBE as its first-ever Brand Ambassador.

New year round Collaboration to make Outdoor Adventure accessible for All

The Yard, Foxlake and Wild Shore Dundee launch official partnership to deliver a year-round programme of inclusive activities, training, and support across three regions of Scotland.