Plans to tackle the blight of plastic carrier bags on Scotland's landscape took a step forward today as the Scottish Government announced plans to consult on ways to reduce single use plastic carrier bags.

Over the past five years, Scottish retailers and members of the public have made significant progress in voluntarily reducing dependence on single use carrier bags. However, latest figures have shown a rise in use, which the Scottish Government wants to tackle head on.

Announcing the plans, Environment Secretary Richard Lochhead said:

"Plastic bags are a scourge on the environment and a blight on our streets, our countryside and our seas - that's why we are so determined to drastically cut back on their use.

"It's hugely encouraging that so many people are now taking this issue seriously, and over the past five years we have seen a lot of progress in cutting plastic bag use, both by shops and shoppers. We want to phase out the use of free plastic bags in supermarkets, with the continued help of retailers.

"We want Scotland to become a zero waste society. Our consultation, which takes place this autumn, will look at options for cutting plastic bag use even further - and, as we pledged in our election campaign, we will consider legislating on this issue if need be. This consultation forms part of a wide range of actions the Scottish Government is taking to reduce waste levels in Scotland."