Highland Cup Movement

What is Highland Cup Movement?

Funded through the Bring It Back Fund – a £1.4million fund from long term partners UK environmental charity Hubbub and Starbucks®, Highland Cup Movement will pilot a large-scale, reusable cup scheme in the Highlands linked to the route of the iconic NC500. We are delivering the project in collaboration with North Coast 500, Zero Waste Scotland, and Highland Good Food Partnership and will capture valuable insights in encouraging reuse and removing barriers to reusable packaging in the hospitality industry.

If you live in or visit the Highlands, please complete our September survey to help us understand the views of people living and travelling in the Highlands around single-use cups for takeaway drinks. You could win a hamper of Highland treats and access a 25% discount on the cost of traveller membership from NorthCoast500.

Making it easy to choose a reusable cup for your takeaway drink

Businesses in the Highland Cup Movement network are happy to accept YOUR reusable cup or you can borrow a Vytal reusable cup.

To borrow a Vytal cup, all you need to do is download the Vytal app and either show your customer QR code when you order your takeaway drink or follow the steps on the Vytal app for self check-out.

There is no additional cost if you return your cup within 14 days. There are convenient locations around the NC500 route to return your cup.

Download now

The links below will take you to either the App Store or Google Play to download the Vytal app. You must have created an account on the Vytal app before you order a takeaway drink in a Vytal cup.

Your account will be linked with a payment method. If you do not return the cup within 14 days, you will be charged £4 and become the owner of the cup. There is no cost for borrowing a Vytal cup if you return it within 14 days.

Highland Cup Movement network

Find the businesses in the Highland Cup Movement who are making it possible to reduce the number of single-use cups being used for takeaway drinks.

[{"Name": "Whisk Away", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/whiskawaycafeandgiftshop/' target='_blank'>Whisk Away</a> Cafe serving breakfast, lunch and homemade cake in the heart of Inverness.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.47948633974483", "Longitude": "-4.225951521661788", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "XOKO Bakehouse", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/xokobakehouse/' target='_blank'>XOKO Bakehouse</a> Artisan sourdoughs, pastries, cakes as well as breakfast, brunch and lunch are served in this bakehouse and coffee bar.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.477240208678346", "Longitude": "-4.226233459740325", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Corner on the Square", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/corneronthesquare/?locale=en_GB' target='_blank' title='Corner on the Square FB page'>Corner on the Square</a> Family owned deli and licensed café serving a range of cakes, drinks and delicious meals.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.4843086214485", "Longitude": "-4.460000238617925", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Midge Bite Cafe", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/midgebitecafe/' target='_blank' title='Midge Bite Cafe FB page'>Midge Bite Cafe</a> Coffee shop located on NC500 route serving selection of sandwiches, specials, cakes and drinks.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.5808730658557", "Longitude": "-5.071206659734963", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Waterside Café", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/watersidecafe/?locale=en_GB' target='_blank' title='Waterside Cafe FB page'>Waterside Cafe</a> Serving delicious locally sourced and seasonal light bites, hearty breakfast dishes as well as a wide range of delicious baking.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.399794428659575", "Longitude": "-5.493654759744323", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Coffee and Bakes", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/people/Coffee-and-Bakes-Poolewe/100068232572626/' target='_blank' title='Coffee and Bakes FB page'>Coffee and Bakes</a> Mobile catering truck offering a selection of hot and cold drinks and delicious homemade cakes and bakes.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.76985130744429", "Longitude": "-5.597458017014255", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "West Coast Delicatessen", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/westcoastdeli/?locale=en_GB' target='_blank' title='West Coast Deli FB page'>West Coast Delicatessen </a> Family run fine food delicatessen serving soup, rolls, salads, pies and cakes and drinks.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.89640601290101", "Longitude": "-5.159448001667414", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Elphin Tearooms", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/ElphinTearooms/?locale=en_GB' target='_blank' title='Elphin Tearooms FB page'>Elphin Tearooms</a> Offering delicious cakes, amazing coffee, a selection of teas as well as hearty soups and fresh or toasted sandwiches.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "58.05429452450541", "Longitude": "-5.028733701660709", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Delilah’s", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/Delilahsrestaurantandbar/' target='_blank' title='Delilah's FB page'>Delilah’s</a> Offering the best local produce in their dining menus as well as serving delicious bakes and hot drinks from the takeaway van.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "58.1498401902574", "Longitude": "-5.2406308304919955", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "The Coffee Bothy", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/people/The-Coffee-Bothy/100063796022201/' target='_blank' title='The Coffee Bothy FB page'>The Coffee Bothy</a> Relaxed and friendly coffee shop in the middle of Golspie, serving tasty soup, sandwiches and home-baking with a focus on local produce.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.974367171120456", "Longitude": "-3.9759192016640648", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Sweets + Treats", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/@Sweets-Treats-100076186244630/' target='_blank' title='Sweets and Treats FB page'>Sweets and Treats</a> Wide range of sweets, ice-cream and drinks with outside seating.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.68876861552582", "Longitude": "-4.168451359346964", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Slaughterhouse Coffee", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/slaughterhousecoffee/' target='_blank' title='Slaughterhouse Coffee FB page'>Slaughterhouse Coffee</a> An independent specialty cafe and coffee shop serving drinks and cakes.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.6837435923241", "Longitude": "-4.03694453235934", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "James at the Putting Green", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://en-gb.facebook.com/jamess.at.the.green/' target='_blank' title='James at the Putting Green FB page'>James at the Putting Green</a> Serving artisan ice cream, bakes and barista coffee.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.5884537838663", "Longitude": "-3.8750495846909514", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "The Highland Weigh", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/thehighlandweigh/' target='_blank' title='The Highland Weigh FB page'>The Highland Weigh</a> Zero waste shop and vegetarian café serving range of drinks, fresh bakes and meals.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.58365706309426", "Longitude": "-3.870433986339216", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Corrieshalloch Gorge Visitor Centre", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.nts.org.uk/visit/places/corrieshalloch-gorge' target='_blank' title='Corrieshalloch Gorge webpage'>Corrieshalloch Gorge Visitor Centre</a> The Corrieshalloch Gateway to Nature Centre includes a takeaway café, WiFi and electric car charging.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.75540624122052", "Longitude": "-5.023276815167294", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Seaboard Centre Cafe", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/SeaboardCentre/' target='_blank' title='Seaboard Centre FB page'>Seaboard Centre Cafe</a> Situated within a community run hall, there is a café, gift shop and post office.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.75921728251542", "Longitude": "-3.9036118305086", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Rosemarkie Beach Cafe", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/rosemarkiebeach/?locale=en_GB' target='_blank' title='Rosemarkie Beach Cafe FB page'>Rosemarkie Beach Cafe </a> Cosy café where you can enjoy a range of hot and cold food and drinks, rent beach toys and enjoy locally produced artwork.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.59337698615018", "Longitude": "-4.11320678818634", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Coast Coffee", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/coastcoffeecompany/?locale=en_GB' target='_blank' title='Coast Coffee FB page'>Coast Coffee</a> Serving delicious, healthy, natural food overlooking Gairloch Harbour.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.71195770302131", "Longitude": "-5.681584857498448", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Attadale Gardens", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.attadalegardens.com/' target='_blank' title='Attadale Gardens webpage'>Attadale Gardens</a> Large garden known for its fernery, rhododendron walk & hidden animal sculptures, plus a tea room.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.391779142941864", "Longitude": "-5.4552260016888034", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "North Coast Coffee & Gifts", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/northcoastcoffee/' target='_blank' title='North Coast Coffee FB page'>North Coast Coffee & Gifts</a> Family run takeaway coffee and gift shop offering hot /cold drinks, cakes and snacks.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "57.8093021829948", "Longitude": "-4.051234959341837", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Castle and Gardens of Mey", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/TheCastleOfMey/' target='_blank' title='Castle of Mey FB page'>Castle and Gardens of Mey</a> Enjoy a visit to the castle, walled gardens, animal centre and tea room.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "58.647565209841474", "Longitude": "-3.2247878", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""},{"Name": "Ferry View Campsite", "Desc": "<a rel='noopener' href='https://www.facebook.com/Ferryviewnightstop/' target='_blank' title='Ferry View FB page'>Ferry View Campsite</a> A small, friendly, family run, eco campsite offering residents and non-residents coffee, snacks, breakfast and dinner.", "Organiser": "", "OrganiserExt": "", "Location": "", "Online": "", "Date": "01/01/0001", "StartTime": "", "EndTime": "", "Latitude": "58.63813764245847", "Longitude": "-3.1698411881418793", "Topic": "", "EventType": "", "Type": "Collect and Return", "Start": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "End": "Mon, 01 Jan 0001", "Postcode": "", "Link": ""}]

The live counter below shows the number of single-use cups which have been saved at the businesses in the Highland Cup Movement network:

Find out more about the Highland Cup Movement

Learn about the Highland Cup Movement project

We began the project with research into the views of residents, visitors and businesses in the Highlands.

Problem with single-use cups

Single-use cups are complex to recycle, resulting in most of them being incinerated or sent to landfill

Concern on single-use cups

There is an environmental cost in the production, transportation and waste collection of single-use cups

Choose to reuse

Switching from a single-use to a reusable cup is an action you can take to reduce your environmental impact and can often save you money too

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Cup Movement® in the Highlands?

Cup Movement® in the Highlands is a campaign designed to promote the use of reusable cups and reduce the number of takeaway drinks sold in single-use cups. To drive the change from single-use cups to reusable cups, the campaign encourages customers to either take their own reusable cup or utilise a cup library service where customers can download the Vytal app to borrow and return a reusable cup. The campaign connects a network of businesses (including cafes, a campsite, a bakehouse, delis, restaurants, mobile vans and visitor attractions) selling takeaway drinks in and around the NC500 route. A map of the participating businesses can be found on our website and on the Vytal app.

How can I get involved?

1. Download the Vytal app from the Apple or Google Play stores.

2. Visit a business in the network (see the map above for all the locations).

3. BORROW: Ask for your drink in a Vytal cup and show your customer QR code to staff in one of the participating businesses.

4. ENJOY your drink.

5. RETURN your cup : either to the business you purchased the drink from or another business in the network. If the cup is returned within 14 days, there will be no cost for the cup.

6. The cup will then be washed, ready to be checked out again … and REPEAT.

Do I need to download an app?

Yes… the Vytal app can be downloaded from the Apple or Google Play stores. The app helps us to keep track of how many single use cups are being replaced. You can see the live counter on the campaign webpage above. Make sure to download the app while you are in an area that has Wi-Fi or good 4/5G coverage. We recommend doing this at the beginning of your journey. Once you have the app, take a screenshot of your customer QR code so you are ready to check out a cup when you get to your stop.

What if I don’t have mobile reception?

Download the Vytal app while you are in an area with Wi-Fi or a good 4/5G signal and take a screenshot of your customer QR code. With that screenshot in your apple wallet or photo gallery, you can happily check cups in and out regardless of signal.

Why do I need to enter payment details into the Vytal app?

As there is no deposit to borrow the cup, the payment details act as a method of security. We want the cups to stay in circulation as much as possible. However, if the Vytal cup is not returned to a partner business within 14 days, £4 (per cup) will be debited from your payment method. The Vytal cup is then yours to use privately. If you do return the cup after that time, it will become part of the system again.

Order your drink and show your customer QR code.

Tip: save your customer QR code in Photos on your phone in case you are in an area with poor connectivity.

Server scans the QR code from the customer and cup

Convenient return. Scan and return without having to queue.

Get in touch

If you would like to find out more about the Highland Cup Movement and be sent updates on the project, please sign up to the newsletter

For all queries please get in touch by email to highlandcup@keepscotlandbeautiful.org

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