Cowardly vandalism is an 'assault on the people of Dornoch' says Sutherland councillor
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A Sutherland councillor has vowed to track down the perpetrators of a "cowardly" act of vandalism at a recently refurbished toilet block.
Vandals attacked the newly renovated facility on Dornoch square last week, leaving the accessible cubicle door ripped off its hinges and smashed.
They also completely removed the seat from the disabled toilet.
A basic repair has been made to reattach the door, although it is understood that the toilet will not be repaired due to a council policy on repeat cases of vandalism.
Renovation work on the public toilet block was completed just last month, with cubicles, fixings, flooring, lights and extractor fans among the items that were replaced.
In addition, a new janitorial sink had been installed and the entrance doors replaced.
The total cost of the project amounted to around £44,000.
The renovation was funded by the Dornoch common good fund after protracted negotiations over the cost of the work.
East Sutherland and Edderton ward councillor Jim McGillivray condemned the destructive act, and has made an appeal for information leading to the identification of those responsible.
Mr McGillivray said: "What kind of sad, inadequate, destructive, cowardly and moronic waster would find any pleasure in doing this kind of thing?
"I’m really disgusted. It cost £44,000 of Dornoch common good money to complete the refurbishment of this facility for the benefit of the community as a whole, and this is what happens?
"I will personally put up a £100 reward for information leading to the identification of the culprit – conviction in today’s legal system seems too much to ask for – and maybe others will chip in a few pounds into this pot to help flush out the miscreant."
He also explained that it is the policy of the Highland Council not to replace toilet seats in such circumstances, meaning that the newly renovated toilet will remain in its damaged state.
Many Highland Council operated toilets have been the target of vandals in the past year, with a spate of incidents reported across Sutherland.
In December, it was decided to remove the pay meters altogether at the Golspie facility because items were continually being lodged in the coin slots.
A council spokesperson advised that they are considering CCTV but this has not been accurately costed yet. It is estimated to cost around £4000.
But councillor McGillivray has said that he plans to explore his own surveillance options.
"I am trying to get a cheap CCTV installed as the council system will cost thousands.
"I appeal for anybody who knows anything to come forward, in confidence if needs be. This is not a crime against a faceless local authority, it is an assault on the people of Dornoch."
Highland Council amenities manager Debbie Sutton said this week: “We ask people to be respectful of the facilities and report any concerns over misuse. Some facilities are locally run by the community, so the vandals are simply damaging the efforts of their own families, friends, and neighbours.
“Vandalism while not only criminal is a total waste of taxpayers’ money and diverts resources from council works and services. It’s vital that our public toilets are safeguarded and no more are lost before the main 2022 tourism season begins.
“We urge anyone with information on vandalism in the their local public toilets to contact Police on 101 or to phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
