Review will deliver the largest network of public toilets in UK

Highland Council claim a review of the provision of public conveniences will ensure the provision of publicly accessible toilets to the vast majority of people - even the remotest of communities - within a 15 minute drive.

The Local Authority said that contrary to some newspaper reporting, only 9 of 94 public toilets under their management, are earmarked for closure - and these are where alternative facilities are close by.

Amongst the 29 toilets originally considered for rationalisation, several have been recommended for retention as council run facilities. These include Achmelvich, Station Brae in Fort William, Lairg, West Beach Nairn, Rhiconich, Scourie, Smoo Cave, Tarbet and Dingwall.

The Council, through working in partnership with communities and other alternative service providers, are delivering support to facilities that support tourism across the Highlands - also addressing the recent increase in visitor numbers to smaller local facilities.

"The headline of “pulling the plug on most public toilets” is simply untrue" - Cllr Henderson

In addition to 94 Council managed toilets, the Council also provides 28 Comfort Schemes through the private sector and community groups and a wide range of other publicly available facilities have been mapped around the Highlands totalling 201 locations.

There is potential for Community Asset Transfers of the facilities at Avoch, Elgol, Helmsdale, Rosemarkie (and Portmahomack to be operated by the community in the winter).

Preparations are being made for the sale on the open market of 4 toilets, with retention of a public convenience as a condition of sale. These are at Kinlochewe, Kylesku, Harbour Road, Nairn and Talmine.

Chair of the Council’s Environment, Development and Infrastructure Committee, Councillor Allan Henderson said: “The Highland Council provide, by far, the biggest network of public conveniences in the UK and with the changes we plan to make, will still provide the most public toilets of any Council. The headline of “pulling the plug on most public toilets” is simply untrue.

“Public toilets are an important part of our tourist infrastructure, but we needed to consider where they are actually most needed and used together with the limited and dwindling resources we have available to provide this non statutory service.

“This Review and our work with partners will actually enhance the strategic toilet portfolio across the Highlands. The eventual outcome will make for a comprehensive network of facilities with far better facilities than we have now and a better system of management.”

A report will be considered at the Highland Council’s meeting on October 25th.