Skye Councillor hits back at claims local authority is at fault for Portree public toilet closure
Written by MartyM on 31 March 2026
By Jamie McDonald
Skye councillor hits back at claims local authority is at fault for Portree public toilet closure
A local councillor has responded to criticism of Highland Council following a story published by Radio Skye about the continued closure of the public toilets in Portree.
“If you are one of those keyboard warriors out there for once try to write a fact rather than just make something up.”
In a Facebook post, Councillor Drew Millar said the local authority carried out repairs shortly after the incident that led to the facility shutting in December, and insisted the ongoing delay is down to the electricity supplier responsible for installing a new meter.
The toilets have been closed since a water leak left the building without power at the end of last year.
Mr Millar said work was completed within a week of the leak by council contractors.
However, he claimed the electrical supply company has missed several scheduled appointments and has not provided a date for the work to be completed, despite what he described as continued pressure from the council.
Councillor Drew Millar
He also criticised what he described as inaccurate claims online following Radio Skye’s report, urging people to check the facts before blaming the local authority for the continued closure.
Writing on Facebook, he said:
“Despite continuing pressure from Council the company are still unwilling to supply a date when they will fit the new meter. As I am writing this I am hoping for a latest update. So please if you are one of those key board warriors out there for once try to write a fact rather than just make something up.”
The original story featured concerns from Portree business Siaway, who said visitors are regularly asking to use their facilities.
Highland Council says public toilets are not a statutory responsibility for local authorities.
Drew Millar’s Facebook post in full:
“It seems this is another stick to beat the Council with when the blame quite clearly is with the supplier, or in this case the non supplier, of the electricity meter.
Following the water damage at the end of last year all remedial works were carried out by local contractors with the installation of a new meter the final component needed to finish the job.
Despite continuing pressure from Council the company are still unwilling to supply a date when they will fit the new meter. As I am writing this I am hoping for a latest update. So please if you are one of those key board warriors out there for once try to write a fact rather than just make something up.
FACT : Highland Council carried out the necessary repairs, within one week following the water leak back in December 2025, since then we have been waiting for the electrical supply company to attend and replace the electric meter, they have failed to show up to at least four appointments and we are continuing to chase them.”
