Dingwall toilets stay closed after ‘persistent vandalism’ as Highland Council probes ‘alternative options’
ALTERATIVE public toilet provision for people in Ross-shire’s county town “is being actively considered” after existing premises were closed following “persistent vandalism and antisocial behaviour”.
The issue has plagued public toilet provision across the Highlands and been a major inconvenience not only to Highland Council, responsible for operating many of them, but communities caught short as a result.
And with towns such as Dingwall hoping to tap more North Coast 500 visitors, the issue has assumed a new level of urgency.
Currently, people turning up at the door of public toilets in the town’s Ormidale Place are confronted by an unwelcome typed sign advising them they are closed.
It simply states: “Closed due to vandalism and antisocial behaviour issues.”
No alternatives are flagged for anyone caught short in the heart of Ross-shire’s county town.
A Highland Council spokesperson said: “The public toilets at Ormidale Place in Dingwall have been targeted by persistent vandalism and antisocial behaviour.
“Following an incident on July 9, 2024, the toilets were closed and have remained closed since. Alternative options for potential toilet provision in the area are currently being considered.”
Back in August we revealed how a Fortrose public toilet is set to now close overnight following a vandalism attack earlier in the year which “caused a lot of damage” to the essential community-owned facility.
Rosemarkie and Fortrose Trust (RAFT) was set up in 2019 after the Highland Council announced it would no longer be managing the public toilets in the two villages.
Big-hearted volunteers worked to keep them open. They said at the time: “We rely on public donations to remain open all year, so please give generously if you visit.”
Back in April, Kyle and Lochalsh Community Trust urged vandals to “spare a thought for our staff” as they appeal for information following a second attack.
The public toilets had been the subject two acts of vandalism in the last month. On the latest occasion, one toilet was filled with soil. The group echoed the sentiments of many then when it stated: “While it might seem like a bit of a laugh at the time, spare a thought for our staff who show up at an evening to do their job, which is already difficult enough, then walk in to find this.”
