Closure-threatened Rosemarkie toilets could be first target of Black Isle development trust

PLANS for a community-centred development trust on the Black Isle could provide a focus for pressing projects of public importance.

The Fortrose and Rosemarkie Development Trust proposal will be the subject of a public meeting to seek community support for the venture.

Closure-threatened toilets could be first on the hit list if there's sufficient public support and a deal can be struck with Highland Council.

It's hoped a trust will provide access to funding and channel community efforts in pursuit of the common good on agreed projects,such as taking over the public toilets in Fortrose and Rosemarkie. Those in Fortrose have already closed and the block in Rosemarkie, currently run by Highland Council, faces closure.

Those proposing the Trust say they'll engage with Highland Council to clarify the terms under which the facilities might be made available and the costs likely to be involved. They believe the facilities have a limited ability to generate income and their financial sustainability would be dependent on the availability of ongoing financial assistance towards the running costs and the willingness of volunteers.

A statement issued by proposers of such a body said: "To that end, and once established, the Trust will consider the matter of the public conveniences as a first priority. If agreed, the Trust will meet with the relevant stakeholders to establish the extent of active support and likely participation.

"The Trust will engage with Highland Council to obtain clarity on the terms under which the facilities might be made available and on the various costs which might accrue to the Trust. The proposers are of the opinion that in the current circumstances these facilities have a limited ability to generate income. Consequently, their financial sustainability will be dependent upon the availability of ongoing financial assistance from Highland Council towards the running costs and upon the willingness of volunteers to contribute their time.

"Pending the establishment of the Trust and the subsequent outcome of public demand and the scrutiny of feasibility and financial sustainability no commitment can be made to any specific project and none should be inferred."

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