Bags For Life
Wednesday, January 16 2008
An Our Scottish Borders initiative is encouraging locals and visitors to use a reusable, recyclable bag for their shopping.
Third year students at Heriot-Watt University were commissioned to develop a design for the ‘Our Scottish Borders Bag for
Life’. They were asked to develop a design that would appeal to Borderers and visitors alike. The students were also asked
to incorporate the Our Scottish Borders branding into the design to help to raise the identity and profile of the area. 
The winning design from Naomi Shedden was a popular choice amongst the judges. She received a cheque for £100. Naomi, originally from Gateshead, has spent two years studying at Heriot-Watt University. She said: “While studying in Galashiels, I have heard many times that life here is ‘what you make it’.
“My bag designs were inspired by this ethos, emphasising choice, opportunity and the unexpected. I felt that, to appeal to the public of the Scottish Borders, the bags should be contemporary and exciting, whilst maintaining integrity.”
The runners-up were Helen Hewett, Clare Fowler and Ashleigh Mackie, whose designs will be used for other promotional activity.
Judges from across the Borders included representatives of the Chambers of Trade and Commerce, independent textile consultant Sheila Mary Carruthers from Carruthers Associates, Alister McKinnon of Scottish Enterprise Borders and Councillor Vicky Davidson, Executive Member for Economic Development at Scottish Borders Council.
Councillor Davidson was impressed by the variety and professionalism of the designs and the high quality of presentations. She said: “It was a difficult choice, but I think all the judges would agree that we have an outstanding final design. It has been a very useful experience working with the university. Not only do we have a joint solution to reducing plastic bags and promoting the Borders, we have been able to raise the profile of the fantastic design skills at Heriot Watt.”
Around 10,000 bags will be printed and distributed free of charge in April, via local retailers, libraries and tourist information centres. The aim is to reduce the wasteful use of plastic bags and minimise waste. The project plans to complement other initiatives by local towns, as well as encourage locals to change their ‘shopping bag’ habits.
Unified Solutions.