Mr Russell was in the town on Friday and met representatives from the Selkirk Plastic Bag Free group to hear of their efforts.

As well as the campaigners – led by Jenna Agate – he also praised local retailers for setting a good example by agreeing not to issue new plastic bags.

"There is still a long way to go for retailers to deliver the UK target of reducing the overall impact of carrier bags by 25 per cent by the end of 2008 and I welcome any action by retailers to reduce waste from plastic bags," he said.

"Plastic bags are a blight on Scotland's landscape. We use more than one billion of them in Scotland each year and the majority are just thrown away.

"This is an excessively high amount and a considerable waste of scarce resources. We must act now to end Scotland's 'plastic bag culture'."

Mr Russell said the Selkirk campaign demonstrated the key role consumers had to play.

"Across Scotland, we must all reuse and recycle bags as much as possible and whenever we're at the checkout ask ourselves 'Do I need a bag?'.

"Reducing the unnecessary use of plastic bags is crucial if we are to achieve a zero waste society in Scotland." he said.

Selkirk campaign organiser, Jenna Agate, says Mr Russell's visit was a real boost. "He was very positive about the campaign and applauded the people of Selkirk's attitude towards it."

And on recent comments from some scientists and environmental groups that plastic bags are not a major threat to the environment, Ms Agate says everyone is entitled to their opinion.

"I completely understand what other people are saying, but the main driving force of this campaign in Selkirk has been the desire to cut down on the litter that is ruining our countryside," she said.

"People should remember, plastic bags are made from petroleum derivatives and that whole process has major implications for the environment."

The Selkirk campaign now has its own website, which can be visited at www.selkirkplasticbag free.co.uk.