PLANS for a new top-up water tap in central Galashiels have been given the go-ahead - but the Scottish Water colour scheme has left planners feeling blue.

The Market Square tap is aimed at reducing the number of plastic bottles being used.

Scottish Water has already installed the water stations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dumfries, Dunfermline, Ayr, Oban and Fort William as part of its Your Water, Your Life initiative.

Although the new tap, which is to be positioned across from the Coulter's Candy statue, has been widely welcomed, the blue colour scheme has received a cold reception from the local authority's planning department.

Planning officer Carlos Clarke said: "Visually, the site is tucked into the corner of the landscaped area where it meets a planted area.

"This is one of the most discrete positions in the square, and avoids the setting of statues and won't affect inscriptions in the paving.

"However, it will be coloured blue. This will contrast with the greys and buffs of the square.

"The applicants advise this is a standard colour, and appear to offer no alternative. This is unfortunate, given the site's location in the Conservation Area.

"However, accounting for its slim profile and small scale, and its discrete positioning, it is, on balance, acceptable."

Scottish Water hope to have the tap installed early next year.

The nationwide Your Water, Your Life initiative has been welcomed by Environment secretary Roseanna Cunningham.

She said: "This is a fantastic campaign which fits in with our work to reduce Scotland’s dependence on single use plastic and is raising awareness of the health benefits of drinking more tap water, which is excellent in quality and value.

“We would encourage people to make the switch to reusable bottles if they can as it will help protect the environment and can save money.

"This campaign also builds on our commitments to tackle our throwaway culture as we are the first part of the UK to commit to a deposit return scheme.”