Vatersay Hall public toilets to reopen 15/10/14
Vatersay Hall public toilets will again be financially supported by Comhairle nan Eilean Siar as it reverses previous funding cuts.
A total of £1,473 a year will be allocated to Vatersay Community Association to provide facilities at the Hall.
In June 2013 the council’s Public Convenience Maintenance Grant budget was cut and funding withdrawn from Vatersay.
At that time, the Comhairle had a contract with ferry operator Caledonian MacBrayne to allow public access to toilet facilities at the Castlebay waiting room.
Restrictions in opening times however meant that the ferry conveniences were used mainly by passengers and ‘after a lengthy negotiation period’ the contract has ended.
As such there had been a ‘significant number of requests’ from tourists to reinstate the Vatersay Hall toilet funding, especially in light of additional pressures expected by increased walkers and cyclists starting and ending the Hebridean Way on the island.
The council axing of the grant meant cash earmarked for Vatersay projects was diverted by the community association to keep the toilets open for the many sightseers to the island.
Amended 19 October 2014