Water tap proposed for Burns Walk

LERWICK could have a new public water tap installed at the Esplanade as part of a campaign to encourage more people to use refillable bottles.

Scottish Water has submitted plans to Shetland Islands Council (SIC) for a tap at the pedestrianised area of Burns Walk.

If granted permission, Shetland could be the first Scottish island to have a tap as part of Scottish Water’s Your Water, Your Life campaign.

Officials from the water body previously met with SIC staff about locations for the top-up tap and Burns Walk was picked the most suitable site partly due to its central location.

In its application, Scottish Water said: “We would also request that is application is dealt with expeditiously so that, and subject to a positive outcome, the top up tap can be installed so as to maximise its use for the forthcoming cruise line and tourist season.”

The tap would feature blue casing and it would stand at around 1.6 metres tall, with a width of around 25 centimetres.

Scottish Water has already installed ten taps in locations like Buchanan Street in Glasgow, Fort William, Inverness and Dumfries.