Organisers want Dundee to be a plastic bag free city

A new project aims to help hand out more than 2,500 free reusable jute bags to shoppers.

Dundee City Council, environmental business Get Serious World, Overgate Shopping Centre, Borders Books and the Hilton Dundee have launched the scheme.

The council agreed to help provide the reusable bags, which are made in India from sustainable jute.

Amy Ridley, of Get Serious World, said: "We have been thrilled that Dundee City Council and a number of the city's major retailers have embraced this effort so wholeheartedly.

It is a frightening fact that a plastic bag is used for around only 12 minutes before it is thrown away George Regan Dundee City Council

"Saturday is going to be a great opportunity for customers and their favourite stores to take a stand against the ubiquitous use of plastic bags, and spread the idea that we can all do something to help our environment by not taking another plastic bag."

George Regan, convener of the council's environment services committee, said: "It is a frightening fact that a plastic bag is used for around only 12 minutes before it is thrown away.

"That happens a million times every minute, so knowing that the people of Dundee care about where we live, and that they can't resist something for nothing, it seemed like a perfect fit."

Karen Stewart, Overgate's general manager said it was her aim to develop one of Scotland's most environmentally-friendly shopping centres.

She added: "We are committed to supporting recycling and waste awareness initiatives that benefit the whole community."