Number of comfort scheme providers in the Highlands set to increase
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A SCHEME aiming to increase the number of toilets accessible to the public in the Highlands is set to see a 30 per cent rise of providers according to a council report.
The Highland Council's comfort scheme offers grants to local services – such as pubs, hotels and community services – which allow the public to use toilets whether or not they are customers.
A recent survey found that 86 per cent of providers found the scheme beneficial, with 94 per cent wishing to become providers again and 84 that would recommend others to sign up to the scheme.
More than half believe the scheme attracts more custom to their businesses and local community according to the survey.
A report presented to Highland Councillors on the communities and place committee said that the number of Comfort Scheme providers will increase by more than 30 per cent from 42 to 55 with new 3-year agreements in place.
Chair of communities and place committee, councillor Graham MacKenzie, said: “This significant increase in the number of new Comfort Scheme providers joining the existing provision is welcome news for locals and visitors to the Highlands.
“Comfort Scheme provision increases the public toilet facilities available, making the Highlands a better place to live and visit. Comfort Schemes also bring welcome footfall to local businesses benefiting the economy.”
Grants for providers range from £50-£300 per month on a seven or 12-month basis and are offered as a contribution towards the running costs of the toilets.
The survey results also indicated that 27 per cent of all the comfort scheme operators were on the NC500.
Locations of current Comfort Schemes can be found at www.highland.gov.uk/publictoilets where businesses and organisations are also welcomed to register interest in becoming a comfort scheme provider.
