'Don't go in unless you're desperate!' Visitor's shock at state of Golspie loos
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An Orcadian traveller who had occasion to use Golspie’s public toilets last month, has said she was shocked at the state they were in.
Ellen Grieve, who herself cleans toilets on her island home, found used sanitary products lying on the floor of the cubicle and a dirty nappy next to the sink. There were no waste bins, toilet rolls, towels or soap available.
Ms Grieve told the Northern Times: “I clean toilets in Orkney and am not easily horrified but this managed to actually make me worried about what is happening to our fundamental values and standards.”
A regular traveller between Orkney and Inverness, Ms Grieve said that for around 25 years she has been “very grateful for the provision of public toilets in Golspie”.
She travelled south on Friday, October 7, and made a stop at Golspie.
“I was disappointed that there was no toilet roll, paper towels or soap available and the toilets were messy,” she said.
However, she was horrified to find that the loos were in an even worse state when she popped in again on her return journey the following Tuesday.
She said: “Used sanitary products were lying on the floor of the cubicle and a dirty nappy was next to the sink. There was still no toilet roll, towels or soap available and there were no waste bins at all in the toilets for those items to be disposed of in a hygienic fashion. This was at 10.15am.
“I found myself advising visitors approaching the toilets not to go in unless they were totally desperate and had a healthy immune system,” she said.
“We are all suffering in these times but it feels as though the beautiful town of Golspie is being left to suffer the loss of basic civilised society requirements.”
Councillor Richard Gale, a Golspie resident, said: “I visit the gents’ toilets on a regular basis just to check that they are in good order, especially after vandalism that took place. I have to say that I generally find them to be in good order. So, I am sorry to hear that this lady has had a poor experience.
"I know that the toilets are cleaned and stocks replenished on a regular basis and I have sent this to the appropriate department for comment."
A Highland Council spokesman said: "The toilets are scheduled to be cleaned daily. The time varies depending on the route the mobile clearer is following, and whether they have been held-up elsewhere.
"There has been a persistent issue of the toilet paper being used to block the toilets and also thrown all over the building. The cleaner restocks the consumables when they are on site and toilet roll holders etc., are replaced when they are vandalised.
"The sanitary bins and general waste bins at this site were destroyed in an act of vandalism and are due to be replaced.
"Vandalism, while not only criminal, is a complete 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.
"If anyone witnesses vandalism please report vandals to Police on 101 or phone Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."
