Call to re-open public toilets in East Neuk

In recent weeks, visitors have started flooding back to the picturesque villages dotted along the East Neuk, and, with travel restrictions due to be eased, that number is sure to grow.

But while plans have been set out to restart the tourism industry, a central part of the Neuk economy, Fife Council has yet to reveal when it plans to re-open its public toilets.

Visitors are also unable to use toilets in tourist facilities, pubs and restaurants, which are still to re-open.

It has led to fears that the visitors to the area might end up relieving themselves in public places – concerns shared in other tourist spots, like St Andrews.

Angus Meldrum, owner of Elie Watersports, said hundreds of people had enjoyed themselves on the stunning beaches in the area last weekend, with some even staying the night in campervans.

“At present, as pubs etc. are not allowed to open, it means there are no facilities at all for people to relieve themselves,” he added.

“I understand that people are supposed to follow the rules and that Fife Coast and Countryside Trust has produced a leaflet on the matter. This, in my opinion, is not good enough for touristy places, as people are breaking the rules and then having no option but to defecate and urinate all over our beautiful places.

“Also one of the key messages to stop the spread of Covid is to ‘wash your hands’, surely that means that places where people can wash their hands should be opened immediately.

“Current public convenience policy makes no sense to the well-being of the public and the communities they serve. With the good weather this needs actioned now before our town is ruined.”

His comments were backed by Councillor Linda Holt.

She fears the East Neuk might experience the same problem as Loch Lomond, where, it has been reported, people have relieved themselves by the side of the loch.

“Businesses are worried that in the absence of toilet facilities visitors will be forced to relieve themselves in public places, as they have done in tourist hotspots such as Loch Lomond,” Cllr Holt said.

“Visitor numbers are only going to increase in coming weeks.

“East Neuk residents are rightly proud of their clean beaches and beautiful countryside and want it to stay that way.

“Some councils such as Moray are already making plans to open their public toilets, and Fife Council and Fife Coast Countryside Trust need to get their skates on.

“Lockdown decimated tourism in the East Neuk. As it gradually comes back to life, it has never been more important for the area to present its best and most welcoming face to visitors.”

Fife Council said it is working to re-open toilets as soon as is practicable and in line with guidance.