THE permanent closure of public toilets in a Highland village on the popular North Coast 500 tourist route has sparked calls from residents for them to be handed over to the local community to run.
Residents in Achnasheen have called on the Highland Council to reconsider its decision to permanently close the village’s public toilets, with the nearest equivalent being around 10 miles away.
Debate amongst locals in Achnasheen was sparked following a post on social media from a former Scottish Liberal Democrat candidate, Innes Munro, regarding the reopening of the facility.
He wrote: “Not normally one for toilet talk but I’m going to make an exception.
“Achnasheen is a key pit stop on the NC500, especially for those looking to charge their EVs, however there is no longer a toilet for public use. This has been a longstanding issue in Achnasheen and needs resolved urgently.
“This closure is not fair on locals, visitors or businesses. The nearest public toilets on the route are 21 miles away in Lochcarron.”
In less than 24 hours, Munro’s post received 100 comments from residents who shared their thoughts on how the toilets could be reopened at the benefit for the local community and for those travelling through the village.
Some people floated the idea that the local authority could hand over the facility to a local community group to run.
One person wrote: “Someone local should offer to take over these toilets for a peppercorn rent of £1 then set up a toilet, shower and chemical waste business for themselves.”
Another questioned: “Can the community do a buy out?”
Meanwhile, another suggested: “We seriously do need more toilets along the length of the A9 as well as other major roads.
“I suggest those companies such as Bear, Amey etc who maintain the trunk roads are made to provide public toilets as part of their contract.
“Scotland is beautiful but the sight of someone p'ing is too often a view I don't want.”
One person added: “Folk who drive around the highlands for a living would really appreciate these facilities being maintained.”
Others suggested other ways to monetise the facility so that it could reopen, including the introduction of a small fee for people to use the toilets, with others suggesting adding the likes of a café and showers.
One person said: “This is why a tourist tax is needed to pay for this sort of stuff.”
Meanwhile, the other “Bring back manned toilets that you pay to use.
“I never understood why the old coin locks were removed from public toilets. 50p to use the loos and one coachload pays the costs for an hour.
“Add in a refrigerated vending machine for snacks and drinks and a few left luggage lockers and you have a small self sustaining business.”
The Highland Council has been approached for comment.
