The two-year programme, funded by car parking income, will concentrate on refurbishing and upgrading public toilet facilities in council-owned car parks. Key locations set to benefit include Aberfoyle, Callander (Station Road), Crianlarich, Killearn, Killin (Station Road), Lochearnhead, and Plean Country Park. These works are intended to improve the condition, quality, accessibility, and reliability of these essential public assets.
The Callander Station Road public toilets, which see approximately 8,500 visits weekly, will undergo essential work on its main water system this year, alongside further investment in the building's internal fabric and services. Additionally, £150,000 has been committed in the current budget for new public toilet provision in Drymen, with a further £50,000 allocated for similar developments in Dunblane at Laighhills.
The council also approved a pilot scheme to operate staffed public toilets during peak tourist seasons at the car parks in Callander and Aberfoyle, utilising funds from the car parking reserve. The investment package also addresses the growing demand for electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure, with initial assessments identifying opportunities for additional fast and super-rapid EV charging points at selected car parks.
“"Public toilets are an important part of the infrastructure that supports our communities and our visitors. People rightly expect facilities to be clean, accessible, safe and fit for purpose."
Stirling Council Leader, Cllr Susan McGill, stated that updated condition surveys have guided the programme's focus on priority facilities and locations offering the greatest benefit. She added that the investment extends beyond toilets, encompassing the wider visitor experience, including accessibility, EV charging, recycling, and facilities for motorhomes and campervans.
