New Ness Top up Tap is Ready to Flow

“The tap on Ness Walk enhances one of our best used active travel routes, enabling people to stay hydrated when walking, wheeling or cycling alongside our beautiful river”

Trish Robertson
Councillor for Culloden and Ardersier

Residents and visitors to the Highland Capital are being encouraged to use a new Scottish Water Top Up Tap on the banks of the River Ness to stay hydrated while on the go in Scotland’s most northerly city. 
 
The new tap, which is located at the start of Ness Walk, near Inverness Cathedral, is the second to be installed by Scottish Water in Inverness, joining an existing one situated on the High Street which was launched in 2019.  
 
The free water refill points are part of the publicly-owned water company’s Your Water, Your Life campaign which aims to get people using Scotland’s world class tap water, while also reducing single-use plastic waste by encouraging the use of refillable bottles. 
 
City councillors Alex Graham, Isabelle MacKenzie, Bet McAllister and Trish Robertson helped to officially launch the Ness Walk Top up Tap, the location for which was put forward by the council to support the development of the city’s active travel network. 
 
Scottish Water corporate affairs manager for the north, Gavin Steel, said: 
 
“We are delighted to launch our second Top Up Tap for the Highland Capital at this spectacular location by the River Ness, helping more people in the city to stay hydrated while on the go. 

“The river is a huge asset to Inverness, providing a green corridor through the city for active travel, exercise and enjoyment. This location is also a gateway for visitors arriving from the nearby coach drop-off point, as well as being ideal for the cathedral, Eden Court Theatre, the Highland Food and Drink Trail, the Northern Meeting Park, Bught Park and beyond. 

“More and more people are carrying reusable bottles with them when they are out and about. We are proud that our growing network of taps across Scotland provides a great way for people to stay topped up with clear, fresh and great-tasting water, as well as helping to reduce plastic waste.” 
 
Culloden and Ardersier councillor Trish Robertson said: 
 
“This is a great addition to the city, together with the existing tap in the High Street.  The tap on Ness Walk particularly enhances one of our best used and most attractive active travel routes, enabling people to stay hydrated when walking, wheeling or cycling alongside our beautiful river – linking the attractions of the city centre with a wealth of green spaces.

“Carrying a refillable water bottle so that you can top up from the tap is good for you and good for your pocket. By reducing our reliance on single use plastic and the potential for litter, it’s also a great way to help the environment - both here in the Highlands and globally.” 
 
70 taps have now been installed at sites across Scotland including harbours, beaches, national parks, botanical gardens and other top tourist attractions.  The Ness Walk tap is the sixth so far in the Highlands as a whole, with more on the way.

More information about Scottish Water’s Your Water Your Life campaign can be found at www.yourwateryourlife.co.uk.