The Scottish Government has delayed the implementation of its deposit return scheme until at least 2025.

The scheme, that would see a 20p deposit will be added to all single use cans and bottles, was initially planned to be launched in 2021.

However, it has faced numerous delays that mean it will not be launched until 2025 at the earliest.

Lorna Slater, the Scottish Greens minister, said the scheme was no longer feasible due to decisions by Westminster to block the inclusion of glass bottles.

Ms Slater said: “It is clear that Scotland’s deposit return scheme, in the scope and form passed by this parliament, cannot go ahead as currently planned.

“Over the last 10 days, and right now, we are urgently establishing to what extent there is a way forward for a modified scheme, its scope, terms and timescales.

“That crucially depends on whether the UK government can provide timely, stable and reliable assurances on basic operational matters, such as trading standards, the 20p deposit and producer fees.

“It also depends on to what extent there is industry support for an alternative scheme.”

The Scottish Government has delayed the implementation of the scheme until when the rest of the UK launch theirs in October 2025.