Visitors express frustration over locked public toilets during the Scottish Six Days Trial.
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During one of the busiest weeks of the year, Fort William found itself at the center of a public toilet crisis as hundreds flocked to the town for the renowned Scottish Six Days Trial (SSDT). This globally recognized motorcycle event, which attracts numerous spectators and competitors, was marred by the frustrating absence of accessible public toilet facilities.
Locked facilities frustrate visitors
Visitors and locals alike expressed their discontent after discovering that the public toilets in the town center were locked throughout the SSDT. Kay MacKay, a local resident whose family traveled to Fort William to support the event, voiced her disappointment.
She recounted how her husband, a long-time attendee of the SSDT, was shocked to find no public toilets available despite the influx of visitors, many of whom traveled from overseas.
“You had to pay to park, but the public toilets were locked,” she lamented.
To make matters worse, her husband had to purchase a half pint of beer at a local pub just to gain access to a restroom. Kay emphasized the economic impact of the SSDT, stating, “This event brings in thousands of pounds for the local economy.” She argued that having public toilets available during such a significant event is a basic amenity that should not be overlooked.
Local businesses feel the impact
The lack of public toilet facilities has not only frustrated visitors but has also drawn criticism from local businesses. One anonymous businessman highlighted the negative effects on customer experience, noting that many visitors used his establishment’s facilities without making any purchases. He stated, “It comes to a point that Highland Council will need to pay me to run a toilet for public use.” This sentiment reflects a growing concern among local entrepreneurs about the potential damage to the town’s reputation and the overall visitor experience.
The SSDT, which has been a staple of Fort William’s event calendar for over a century, brings significant economic benefits to the area. However, the absence of basic amenities like public toilets threatens to undermine the positive impact of such events.
Council’s response to vandalism and flooding
A spokesperson for the Highland Council explained that the public toilets were closed due to a combination of flooding and vandalism. The Viewforth toilets, which were closed during the SSDT, had recently been affected by flooding, leading to safety concerns regarding the electrical systems. Despite efforts to reopen the facilities, they were closed again shortly after due to vandalism, including the destruction of an electric hand dryer.
The council acknowledged the ongoing issues with vandalism, stating that the Viewforth toilets have faced multiple closures as a result. Additionally, the toilets at Station Brae have been closed since May 2024 due to similar problems. Plans are in place to lease the property to a company interested in reopening the site with accessible facilities, but until then, the lack of public toilets remains a pressing issue.
As the SSDT continues to draw crowds to Fort William, the need for reliable public toilet facilities becomes increasingly critical. The community and local businesses hope that the council will take action to address these concerns and ensure that future events can be enjoyed without the added stress of inadequate amenities.
