Dedicated Kirriemuir volunteer group takes on toilets at the Den

tourism: Public loos looked after by locals in bid to attract visitors

The group behind the community reopening of Kirriemuir’s Camera Obscura has added another facility to its portfolio.

Kirriemuir Regeneration Group has taken over the operation of the public toilets at The Den under a partnership agreement with Angus Council. It is hoped the move may help the attraction become busier.

The reopening was delayed after vandals caused significant damage to the toilets in October.

Angus Council communities convener Craig Fotheringham said: “I’m delighted that the Kirriemuir Regeneration Group will be managing these facilities.

“Such partnership agreements with community groups are one of the innovative approaches the council is taking to meet the significant financial challenges over the forthcoming years.

“Similar public toilet schemes have been running very successfully across Angus and provide a means to offer clean and accessible facilities to the public and I commend the Kirriemuir Regeneration Group and other groups involved for their contribution.

“There have been issues with vandalism at these toilets over the years. I’m urging people to respect this facility as any further vandalism could lead to the toilets having to close completely.”

A spokesperson for Kirriemuir Regeneration Group said: “We are very pleased to be given the opportunity to save the public toilets in the Den from closure.

“Kirrie Den is a beautiful spot for walking, picnics and enjoying the play park and we hope that reopening these toilets will encourage more visitors back into the Den.”

The group has volunteered to manage the facility for two years.

The toilets will now open from 9am to 3pm from April 1 to May 31, extending to 9am to 7pm from June 1 to August 31, and then 9am to 3pm between September 1 and October 31.

Similar agreements are in place in Easthaven and Kirriemuir Hill where the council has retained ownership and a local group will manage the cleaning and opening/closing of the facilities.

Visitor numbers at Camera Obscura have soared since KRG took over the running of the attraction.

Similar public toilet schemes have been running very successfully across Angus and provide a means to offer clean and accessible facilities to the public