Edinburgh residents express concerns over public toilet reopening proposals

Pending a vote of approval on Thursday, the council plans to reopen facilities in Cramond, Hawes Pier, the Bruntsfield Links, Princes Street Gardens, the Meadows and Pipe Lane in Portobello from Monday next week.

The facilities would be open from 11.00am until 6.00pm every day, with enhanced cleaning and hygiene measures in place to ensure they are Covid-secure.

While many residents have expressed relief at the long-awaited news of some public toilets reopening, various councillors and members of the public have relayed disappointment that facilities in certain other areas of Edinburgh will remain closed, with no opening date in sight.

Patrick Hogg posted on Facebook: “Hamilton Place is not on their list! WHY NOT?”

Mr Hogg’s concerns about toilet provisions in Stockbridge have been echoed by Liberal Democrat Cllr Hal Osler.

She said: “I, like many residents, have spent a long time waiting for plans about the reopening of public conveniences to come forward.

“Having read the plans, I am bitterly disappointed about the narrowness of their scope. I appreciate that many people have flocked to parks and the beach and it’s important to open public conveniences in these places, but that’s not very supportive towards our town centres.

“I was very surprised to read that the facilities on Hamilton Place in Stockbridge were not being reopened given that there are no public conveniences in Inverleith Park. I am hopeful that this is just another error and Stockbridge was left off by mistake. If not, I might be forced to start a campaign – boo we need our loos!”

Labour Cllr Scott Arthur says that many residents have been in touch with him to discuss why no plans are in place to reopen public toilets in Colinton.

Cllr Arthur tweeted: “Lots of people have been in touch raising questions about why Colinton’s Public Toilets have been deliberately excluded from reopening. It’s quite extraordinary given (1) how new they are, (2) their proximity to Spylaw Park, and (3) the elderly population.”

Meanwhile, Mark Hartl has raised concerns about facilities in Granton Square.

He posted on Twitter: “Can we get the toilets on Granton Square reopened please, to help with the increasing popularity of Wardie Bay beach? Thanks.”

Conservative Cllr Callum Laidlaw, who has been a vocal campaigner for the reopening of public toilets, said: “Since I’ve was elected in 2017 I have been campaigning hard to keep public toilets open.

“For many people young and old they are essential for being able to get out and about and in their absence we have seen serious nuisance and public health implications as people find alternative places to relieve themselves.

“While I am pleased that some of our highest use public toilets are likely to reopen on 13 July, many areas of the city are still not covered and it could be said to be too little, too late.”

Adam McVey, Council Leader, said: “The city is slowly starting to return to a ‘new normal’ and as more restrictions are gradually eased we know a lot of people are out enjoying our beautiful parks and beaches, and more recently returning to visit the many and varied quality shops and other businesses Edinburgh has to offer.

“We are reopening some toilets to ease the situation but I would ask that everyone is respectful when they’re out and about. Plan ahead and if you’re caught short, get home to use your own facilities if there are none open nearby.

“It’s only possible to reopen some public toilets in busy areas as we must make sure we’re following government guidance and putting in all of the necessary measures required such as additional deep cleaning and physical distancing to keep everyone safe. The cost of reopening can’t be underestimated but it’s important that we do all we can to support our communities and combat the negative anti-social behaviour some of our residents have experienced."