Big Highland Council cash outlay will enhance toilet and waste disposal sites for visitors

A £1.5 million investment by Highland Council will help ensure visitors can spend a penny in comfort next year.

Along with other infrastructure improvements, the one-off outlay will fund toilet facilities at a host of locations across the region.

Councillors agreed to extend the visitor management plan funding into the 2022 tourist season after previously investing £2.4 million in a range of service improvements for the current season.

Included will be an enhanced waste collection service and 14 new “comfort schemes” – where businesses and other organisations open toilet facilities to the public – bringing the total to 50.

Also funded will be building improvements to seven out of 75 council-run public conveniences, support for a community group running portable toilets, car park and other road improvements, additional motorhome waste facilities, enhancements to visitor management infrastructure in Aviemore and a pilot public transport scheme in Skye.

Councillor Trish Robertson, chairwoman of the economy and infrastructure committee, said: “The seasonal access rangers have made a real difference to many Highland communities during the busy season. Engagement with visitors, communities and landowners and the offering of information and advice has been the priority of their work.”

Cllr Gordon Adam, chairman of the tourism committee, added: “Investment in visitor management has made an enormous difference. This additional funding will help us to make further improvements in advance of the 2022 season.”

The council says there has been positive feedback on its ranger service from communities, members, organisations and visitors.

Do you want to respond to this article? If so, click here to submit your thoughts and they may be published in print.