New regulations voted in earlier this year by the Scottish Government introduced the charge on October 20.

The aim is to help tackle Scotland’s litter problems, but the fee is not just aimed at plastic bags. Carriers made from eco-friendly materials will have the charge imposed on them too.

A seven week campaign was launched by the Scottish Government to highlight the changes in August. Wales became the first part of the UK to introduce a minimum charge for single-use carrier bags in 2011 and a charge was brought in Northern Ireland last year.

The Scottish government said the money raised would go to good causes.

The move has been welcomed by national retailers such as the Co-Operative, John McNeill, Regional Stores Director for The Co-operative Food in Scotland, said: “Colleagues in all our Scottish stores have been busy preparing for the new charge, and our commitment to add the profits from sales of our re-usable bags in Scotland will ensure good causes benefit even more. We share the aspiration of reducing the number of single use carrier bags that are distributed, and together we can reduce, reuse, recycle and reinvest in our communities.” And it has also been welcomed by national environmental campaign agencies.

David Barnes, Litter Programme Manager, Zero Waste Scotland said: “With just a week to go until the Carrier Bag Charge comes into force in Scotland, it’s great to see local stores like The Co-operative getting ready for charge coming in and helping to keep customers informed about the change as of Monday 20th October. Zero Waste Scotland is reminding retailers and shoppers alike to be prepared.

“Shoppers can avoid the charge and help reduce the number of bags in circulation by remembering to bring their re-usable bags when they pop to the shops after October 20.

“Zero Waste Scotland has a dedicated website for retailers featuring a host of useful tools and materials, to ensure they are fully prepared when the charge goes live on 20th October.” The campaign is urging people to take re-useable bags with them to the shops if they want to avoid the bag charge.