Change to public toilet provision in Uig, Isle of Skye

Public toilet provision in Uig in the Isle of Skye will move to the port’s new ferry terminal when it opens this autumn.

At Highland Council’s Skye and Raasay Committee meeting today (Monday 30 June) it was agreed that the current toilets, which are in poor state of repair, should be closed on 31st August following the full commissioning of the new facilities at the ferry terminal.

The new terminal includes publicly accessible toilets which will be maintained to a high standard and will be open during all ferry operating hours.

Members and the public are keen to see these hours extended and discussions on this issue will continue with Caledonian MacBrayne.

Chair of the Skye & Raasay Area Committee, Cllr John Finlayson, welcomed the news and said: “This move to the new ferry terminal is positive for the community, ferry users and visitors to the area.

"I am sure everyone welcomes the new and modern facilities that will now be available.”

The current cost to operate the Uig PC is an estimated £9,372 per annum.

The Council does not have a statutory responsibility to provide or operate Public Conveniences.

The cost to refurbish the facility is estimated at £150,000.

An approach has been made to Uig Community Trust to discuss the possibility of taking over ownership of the Uig PC via lease or Community Asset Transfer.

The replacement of the existing PC with modern facilities at the ferry terminal aligns with current policy to consolidate services where appropriate, improve the quality and accessibility of public amenities, and reduce ongoing maintenance and operational costs.

The new facilities provide a more suitable and sustainable long-term solution.

The ferry terminal can provide male and female toilets and changing facilities within the building.

During ferry operating hours, the building will be accessible to all.