Concerns raised over toilet access at Uig

Businesses in Uig say concerns over access to toilets in the village could be discouraging tour operators from stopping in the area.

David Taylor, who runs Quirky Clay, says he has received complaints from tourists, coach drivers and other local businesses.

The Highland Council operated public toilets in the village closed in August 2025. At the time, the local authority said the toilets were in a “poor state of repair” and as such would close “following the full commissioning of the new facilities at the ferry terminal.”

The new Uig Ferry Terminal opening in autumn last year and has toilet facilities.

The council statement from 2025 said “members and the public are keen to see these hours extended and discussions on this issue will continue with Caledonian MacBrayne.”

Mr Taylor says he’s concerned that if coach operators cannot guarantee toilet access for passengers, they may choose to bypass Uig altogether, impacting businesses which rely on passing trade.

“Half of our business probably comes from Rabbie’s, Discover Scotland and Highland Experience. I think Uig would really struggle without them there.”

“People are always quick to complain if they find someone doing the toilet outside, which is obviously disgusting, but if you’ve got to go, you’ve got to go. It’s up to local villages to provide toilets.”

A CalMac spokesperson said:

“The toilet facilities within the ferry terminal building at Uig are available for use by both our customers and members of the public during operational hours. Demand for these is high due to no other facilities being available nearby, and though no formal agreement is in place, we’re committed to working with the council.”

A Highland Council Spokesperson said:

“There were discussions for some time in advance of the opening of the building, however the final Head of Terms is not yet signed off.  At the current time, the former public toilet building remains closed, however there is an opportunity for a Community Asset Transfer or lease for a community group if there is interest.  We are also considering alternative sites through the Highland Comfort Scheme, if required.”

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.”

Businesses in Portree are raising concerns over the continued closure of the public toilets in the village.

Highland Council says the facility has been shut since the 10th of December after a water leak damaged the electric meter, leaving the building without power.

The electricity company contracted to do the work is yet to complete the repairs.

Local businesses say tourists are regularly asking to use their facilities, adding to the strain during busy periods.

Tom Eveling owns the Siaway pizza place. He said:

“We contacted the local council as well as Kate Forbes MSP and I believe things are moving in the right direction, albeit probably too slowly for some.

“These things do take time as there are some local issues involved.

“It is frustrating for all concerned that a local hub for Skye like Portree has no public toilets at present. Heading into a new season, considering the island received in the region of a million visitors a year.

“I know other less busy areas provide these amenities and also charge for them. It seems a no brainer to avoid any potential chaos whilst also earning some revenue at the same time.”

The local authority points out that public toilets are not a statutory function of the council.