Scottish Government 'rowing back' on offer of cash help to save Highland loos, MSP claims
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Highlands and Islands list MSP Edward Mountain accused Holyrood of moving the goalposts after quizzing the minister for local government, housing and planning, Kevin Stewart, in the chamber yesterday.
Mr Mountain, claimed the minister had said Highland Council must use its own budget to save the 29 toilets threatened with closure.
And Mr Mountain said this contradicted recent reports that the cabinet secretary for culture, tourism and external affairs, Fiona Hyslop, had pressed the council to request a grant from Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund to keep the toilets open.
The Scottish Government’s Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund totals £6 million and is there to ensure local services and facilities used by tourists and communities are protected.
Edward Mountain MSP challenged the Scottish Government on the Highland toilet closures during General Questions at the Scottish Parliament.
The Highlands and Islands MSP asked what support the Scottish Government will provide to service the 96 public toilets managed by the Highland Council.
The minister said: “The council will receive £487.5 million in Scottish Government funding in 2018-19, which, taken together with the decision to increase council tax by the maximum allowable 3 per cent, means that it will have £17.1 million more to support services this year compared to last year.
“I am aware of the concerns that have been expressed about the Highland Council’s proposals to close a number of public toilets, and I discussed that with the council leader on 15 June.
“At that meeting, I made it clear that, although it is for the council to take decisions on its services, the council should engage with local communities before taking any decisions and should consider the potential longer-term impact on tourism in the area, rather than just short-term financial savings.
“The council has extended its review until 31 October to allow that to take place, and I welcome that decision.
Edward Mountain MSP then asked “There remains real concern throughout the Highlands that the investment in hubs means that the 29 toilets will still close on 31 October.
“Will the Government join me in continuing to press the Highland Council to keep the loos open? Will it consider further financial help, if that is requested?”
The minister responded: “There is significant additional support this year for the Highland Council, which has £17.1 million more to support services.
“It is for the Highland Council, as an autonomous body, to make the decisions that it thinks are right for the Highlands. I hope that the council will listen to people across the area and make the right decision, not only for the people of the Highlands but for the many folk who visit the Highlands.”
Speaking afterwards Mr Mountain said Mr Stewart had given no assurances that financial help was available and accused the government of rowing back on Ms Hyslop’s earlier comments.
He said: “It appears the Scottish Government is rowing back from its offer to make additional funds available to save our Highland loos. Why were funds available at request from the Rural Tourism Infrastructure Fund last month not available now?
“The people of the Highlands deserve to know and that is why I have lodged a series of Freedom of Information requests to the Scottish Government."
