A blog about toilets in Grantown-on-Spey might not seem particularly exciting. But give us a chance – our newly renovated facilities have a wee secret to surprise you.
Busy area
Highland Council shut the toilet block in the Burnfield in 2018 – a big blow for the town. This is a busy part of the town, for both residents and visitors. It’s a popular drop-off zone for coaches, with tourists always keen to visit nearby Grantown Museum. And families and schoolchildren are always passing on the way to school or the Craig Maclean Leisure Centre.
The Grantown toilets were well used during events like the Hogmanay street party and the Thunder in the Glens rally.
Community plan
Luckily, the Grantown Initiative knew these were vital services for the town and set out to bring the block back into use. The volunteers created an ambitious project for refurbishment and set out to raise funds for the work to start.
Now the toilets are open and look better than ever.
Fantastic local artwork
The toilet block has a new layout, with new doors, windows, lighting and plumbing. There are baby changing facilities in the men’s, ladies and disabled areas.
And best of all, users are greeted with by beautiful tile mural featuring artwork by students at nearby Grantown Grammar School. Rosie Trussell’s drawing of our favourite local landmark, the Old Spey Bridge is at the heart of the installation. It is surrounded by students’ drawings of outdoor activities and wildlife. This is a fantastic addition to the facilities and one that reflects the community-driven aspect of the project.
Finally, there is also a motorhome service point providing a much-needed area for campers to dispose of their grey and toilet waste.
Vital priority
Chair of the Grantown Initiative, Karen Derrick said: “Reopening the toilets was a top priority for businesses and residents. The Burnfield facilities are in a busy part of the town, in a well-used car park and close to our museum and the Square, where so many public events take place during the year.
“We are delighted that the facility is open again after so much hard work by our volunteers and contractors. This is a wonderful asset for the town, which will benefit visitors and residents. The provision of facilities for motorhome owners also provided a much-needed service.”
“We hope that the loos are a facility that the town can be proud of.”
Funding from the Cairngorms National Park Authority, Highlands and Islands Enterprise, Highland Council, The Cairngorms Trust and the Berry Burn Community Fund, with further donations from the community.
Local firm, Colin Lawson Builders Ltd, worked with other contractors to manage the project. The town’s art gallery, the Spey Bank Studio, printed the students’ drawings were printed on the tiles.
Where are Grantown’s toilets?
The Grantown toilets will operate from 6.30am to 11pm, with a 50p entrance fee. All funds raised will go towards the maintenance and management of the toilets.
You can see a map of their location below. And if you visit, don’t forget to leave a wee review to let us know what you thought of the refurbishment!