CAMPAIGNERS are calling for pint pot deposit schemes at public events in the Scottish Borders.

Tom Rawson of Plastic Free Melrose said the group is fighting to cut back on plastic use in the town.

And one of the suggestions is to get revellers to buy a re-useable cup at gatherings such as the Rugby Sevens tournament.

At the local community council meeting last week, he said: “Plastic usage is a huge issue everywhere.

“And I think it is embarrassing as a society that we have such a problem.

“We want to look at stopping this problem. One of the ways is by going into local businesses to encourage them to cut down on what they use.

“An idea we have also had is introducing a pint deposit scheme, similar to the one which is in place at Murrayfield.

“That is something we could look at bringing to Melrose at events such as the Rugby Sevens to cut down on single use plastic. Everyone pays for one pint pot and it is reused, rather than just thrown away.”

The Scottish Government is also currently shaping a ‘deposit return scheme’ for drinks containers following positive feedback in a public consultation.

If brought in, it would see consumers reclaim a percentage of the cost of every plastic bottle they recycle.

A similar scheme has also been introduced in Norway.

Val Miller, vice chairwoman of Melrose Community Council said: “Plastic Free Melrose can take our support as a given.

“There is so much plastic these days. Most of what you buy in the supermarket is pre-packed, no matter how much you try to get away from it.”

Campaigners have also been working with local schoolchildren to teach them about plastic pollution.

And the group recently organised a litter pick around the town.

Mr Rawson said: “The issue needs to be stopped at its source.

“If your bath is overflowing, you don’t just pull the plug out – you turn the taps off. That is how we can change things, by encouraging people not to use as much.”