Public toilets
Loos with a view in Elgol and BroadfordStepping in on behalf of the community to build and maintain critical infrastructure.
When the volunteer-run Broadford and Strath Community Company was founded in 2003, few people would have imagined that we would end up running our local public conveniences. But when these vital facilities came under threat, we knew we had to step in and take action.
With support from an extensive funding package, Elgol and Broadford now enjoy modern, clean, 24-hour facilities including Disabled facilities and baby change. The Elgol toilet also has waste disposal facilities for use by motor homes.
There is a small charge for using the facilities. This fee pays for the ongoing servicing and maintenance of the public toilets, with every penny raised reinvested back into the community.
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The previously council-run toilets in Elgol were originally threatened with closure. The village welcomes around 70,000 visitors per year, so the community was understandably very concerned at the prospect of no public conveniences. With support from the Elgol community, Broadford & Strath Community Company raised the funds to build a new facility through a variety of sources including a Facebook fundraiser which raised an amazing £5000 in a weekend.
Meanwhile the public toilets at Broadford had been run down for a while, and in need of significant upgrading. With The Highland Council keen for communities to take over the running of public conveniences, we stepped in once again. The new Broadford toilets are situated in the village centre next to the petrol station. As with Elgol, it was a complex build with a number of challenges including the Covid-19 pandemic, labour and material challenges, and funding constraints.
Funding for the new build toilets comprised a complex package. We would like to extend our thanks to the funders and all those who supported the projects both in terms of direct and practical support.
More information
Contact us: mail@broadfordandstrath.org
KEY FACTS
Time frame: 2020 – 2023
Location: Elgol and Broadford
Benefits to the community: Preventing closure of a vital facility needed by residents and visitors; generating income to support local projects.
FUNDERS
Rural Tourism and Infrastructure Fund | The Highland Council – Community Regeneration Fund & Ward Discretionary Fund | Scottish Government – Islands Infrastructure Fund & Town Centre Fund | Highland Council Place Based Investment Programme | Scottish Hydro Electric Community Trust | Community donations
FROM OUR GALLERY
Broadford toilets
Conveniently situated next to Broadford filling station
Staff and volunteers at Elgol
The toilets near completion
Interior – Elgol toilets
During construction
Elgol toilets during construction
Not a bad view for a loo
Elgol toilets
Nearing completion, early 2023
Broadford toilets – another view
A small charge supports maintenance and management