A town's bid to be one of the first in Scotland to go plastic bag free has been given ministerial support.
Environment Minister Michael Russell visited Selkirk to talk to the people behind the plan for the town.
He said that the Scottish Government had set a range of environmental targets and reducing the use of plastic bags was one of its goals.
It is hoped that replacement canvas-type bags can be in place for use in the town by 31 March.
In May 2007 every shop in the Devon town of Modbury banned plastic bags at the suggestion of a local resident.
'Small steps'
Since then, a number of towns across the UK have announced plans to follow suit.
The Selkirk initiative has attracted interest across the Borders and was backed by the environment minister.
"Helping the environment is about taking small steps as well as big steps," said Mr Russell.
"I am 100% behind these initiatives I am 100% behind what is happening in Selkirk.
"It has been good to see it so close to fruition and I hope to come back once it's in place and see that it has happened."
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