Limited Edinburgh public toilet reopenings likely to begin from July 13

Limited public toilets could begin to reopen from July 13

The limited reopening of public toilets in popular Edinburgh parks and Portobello Beach could take place from Monday July 13.

The council’s Policy and Sustainability Committee will vote next Thursday on whether to allow public toilets to reopen in Cramond, Hawes Pier, the Bruntsfield Links, Princes Street Gardens, the Meadows and Pipe Lane in Portobello.

If the vote passes, which is likely to be the case given support from the ruling SNP–Labour coalition and Tory opposition, public toilets in these areas will remain open from 11.00am until 6.00pm every day of the week.

All other facilities will stay closed for the time being.

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 they’re when 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.”

Conservative Cllr Callum Laidlaw, who has been campaigning for the reopening of public toilets, said: “While I’m pleased my campaign to reopen toilets has had some success, I would have thought that toilets could be reopened before 13 July and in line with outdoor drinking areas on 6 July.

“This further delay will likely see another weekend of misery for many residents as those out enjoying our parks and beaches find alternative places to relieve themselves.”