Sometimes plastic really is fantastic – in ways you’d never dream. When Scotland announced plans to begin charging 5p levy for plastic carrier bags in 2014, a year ahead of UK straggler England, the outcry from consumers and some retailers was loud, but brief. Two years later, the levy has proved to be worth its weight in gold – well, almost.

Many large retail chains promised to donate bag proceeds to charity, but the rewards have been greater than expected. During 2016, Social Investment Scotland, a charity that provides loans to other charities, social enterprises and community groups, has seen a 13% increase in income – with a large chunk of it coming from the sale of plastic bags.

It seems to prove what many have always known – Scots are frugal, but not stingy. Besides wanting to help those less fortunate, they’ve probably been buying bags and saving them for a rainy day – of which Scotland has more than its fair share!