With just days to go before Scotland’s carrier bag charge comes into force, retailers are working hard to communicate the change to shoppers.

The 5p charge will apply to all single-use carrier bags from 20 October.

As C-Store went to press, Craig Cunningham, of Abbiecraig Services in Cupar was busy designing dedicated in-store signage to explain the new rules. All money he raises from the charge will be donated to Alzheimer Scotland.

Eileen Duncan of Kincraig Stores in Inverness-shire has been talking to shoppers about the new charge at the till point. A new TV advertising campaign by Zero Waste Scotland was also helping to boost awareness, she said, and most shoppers were “fine” about paying the charge. The store is planning to use the funds raised to help maintain the village’s public toilets.

CJ Lang and Son has been issuing information to Spar retailers each week through its internal bulletin and this week a specific POS kit containing a shelf card and A4 poster was sent to all stores.

Retailers can visit www.carrierbagchargescotland.org.uk for more info and tools, including a staff training video and customisable materials for posters and till receipts.

Iain Gulland, director of Zero Waste Scotland, said: “Zero Waste Scotland is reminding retailers and shoppers alike to be prepared.”