Three Scottish charities will together receive more than £55,000 from funds raised in Waitrose branches, by the 5p single-use carrier bag charge.

The three Scottish charities are:

- Green Routes, which helps people with additional support needs realise their potential in Stirling

- Edinburgh Sick Kids Friends Foundation

- Southseeds, a community garden organisation in Glasgow

Each of the charities will receive £18,500.

Waitrose Partners from across Scotland nominated the good causes that they would like to see benefit from the 5p charge, with the final three being selected by the Waitrose Community Investment Group.

Tina Varns, Waitrose community, sustainability and responsible sourcing manager said: “We take our environmental responsibility as a grocery retailer very seriously

and are committed to reducing waste and treading lightly on the environment.

“All three charities make a vital contribution to their local communities; whether it’s providing support to children and families when they most need it, providing training in horticulture or improving green spaces.”

Waitrose signed up to Zero Waste Scotland’s Carrier Bag Commitment, ensuring that funds raised from the charge that was introduced by the Scottish Government in October 2014, go to charities across Scotland.

Reducing waste is part of Waitrose’s “Treading Lightly” value, which also includes: bagless delivery options for orders placed online; a range of reusable bags available in store for purchase and the pickup of carrier bags for recycling by delivery drivers.