My town’s new toilets have a big secret

As part of my work with Grantown Business Association, I recently helped with the publicity around the launch of their project to reopen public toilets in the town.

Highland Council shut the facility, in the Burnfield area of the town, in 2018 as part of cost-cutting measures. Many Highland communities suffered a similar loss, which affects both visitors and residents. A lack of public toilets creates a poor impression for travellers.

Community plan

Luckily, the Grantown Initiative knew these were vital services for the town and set out to bring the block back into use. The volunteers created an ambitious project for refurbishment and set out to raise funds for the work to start.

The toilet block in the Burnfield is in a busy part of the town, for both residents and visitors. It’s a popular drop-off zone for coaches, with tourists always keen to visit nearby Grantown Museum. And families and schoolchildren are always passing on the way to Grantown Grammar School or the Craig Maclean Leisure Centre.

The toilets were well-used, especially during events like the Hogmanay street party and the Thunder in the Glens rally.

Now the toilets are open and look brighter than ever – and there’s a wee treat waiting for you inside.

Fantastic artwork

The toilet block has a new layout, with new doors, windows, lighting and plumbing. There are baby changing facilities in the men’s, ladies and disabled areas.

And best of all, users are greeted with by beautiful tile mural featuring artwork by students at nearby Grantown Grammar School. Rosie Trussell’s drawing of a favourite local landmark, the Old Spey Bridge is at the heart of the installation, with additional drawings of outdoor activities and wildlife also feature.

Finally, there is also a motorhome service point providing a much-needed area for campers to dispose of their grey and toilet waste.

Fundraising

Funding from the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, The Cairngorms Trust and the Berry Burn Community Fund, with further donations from the Grantown Initiative and the community.

Local firm Colin Lawson Builders Ltd managed the work. Students’ drawing were printed on the tiles the town’s art gallery, the Spey Bank Studio. Full disclosure – my partner Angus Grant is the secondary school art teacher who led the project, and the Spey Bank Studio is our business. We were delighted to help.

Vital priority

Chair of the Grantown Initiative, Karen Derrick said: “Reopening the toilets was a top priority for businesses and residents. The Burnfield facilities are in a busy part of the town, in a well-used car park and close to our museum and the Square, where so many public events take place during the year.

“We are delighted that the facility is open again after so much hard work by our volunteers and contractors. This is a wonderful asset for the town, which will benefit visitors and residents. The provision of facilities for motorhome owners also provided a much-needed service.”

“We hope that the loos are a facility that the town can be proud of.”

It was lovely to go along and see the opening. Lots of people joined the students for the occasion and see the completed work. The GGS pupils were also excited to see their drawings on the tile mural.

It looks brilliant and it’s a great community project. Plus I was delighted to help by writing a press release and upcoming blog for their website.

Opening hours

The toilets are open from 6.30am to 11pm, with a 50p entrance fee. All funds raised will go towards the maintenance and management of the toilets.

And finally, here’s a map of where to find them. If you visit, leave a review to show that you appreciate the work that has been done.