Thurso Beach Top Up Tap Launch

30 May 2024
Alasdair Washington, Emily Kearl and Ellis Mackay at the new Top Up Tap in Thurso

New Top Up Tap 

L-R Alasdair Washington, Emily Kearl and Ellis Mackay help to launch the new facility at Thurso's beachfront.

Locals and visitors enjoying Thurso’s beach front will now be able to ensure they stay hydrated while out and about thanks to a new Top Up Tap situated at the town’s Pentland Crescent. 
 
Mainland Scotland’s most northerly town has now joined Scottish Water’s nationwide network of over 120 refill points, which allow people to top up their reusable water bottles for free with fresh, great tasting water while also helping to cut down on single-use plastic. 
 
The distinctive bright blue taps have been installed at sites across Scotland including harbours, beaches, national parks, botanical gardens, and other top tourist attractions. 
 
Thurso Community Development Trust (TCDT), which first approached Scottish Water about a tap for the town, joined members of the Caithness Cycling Club this week to mark the arrival of the new facility. 
 
TCDT board member Emily Kearl said: “It's great to see something like this in Thurso, which will encourage a more active lifestyle while reducing single-use plastics. Free and convenient access to the finest Caithness tap water is something that will really improve the experiences of locals and visitors alike!” 
 
Caithness Cycling Club committee member Alasdair Washington said: “When you are out on the bike, having access to points where we can fill up our water bottles makes such a difference - it is so important for our health that we all stay well hydrated in our daily lives. 
 
“The new Top Up Tap is a really welcome addition to the beach front here and I’m sure it will be well used.” 
 
Local Scottish Water network operative Ellis Mackay said: “This is the second Top Up Tap that has been installed in Caithness in recent months following the launch of the John O’Groats tap, and it is great to see the network expanding across the country. 
 
“We want to make it as easy as possible for people to access our tap water, even when they are out and about – it is good for their health, good for the environment and good for their pockets!” 
 
More information about Scottish Water’s ‘Your Water Your Life’ campaign which the Top up Taps are part of is available at: Your Water Your Life