Olympic curling star Eve backing project to install special toilet

£75k being raised for Changing Places Toilet in Pitlochry

An Olympic medallist and the man who fronted the public health messaging for the coronavirus pandemic response are backing a project to install a public toilet in Pitlochry for people with disabilities.

Curler Eve Muirhead and the Scottish Government’s national clinical director Jason Leitch are supporting the Atholl Centre’s plans to build a Changing Places Toilet to help people with learning and physical disabilities including spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy.

Iain Walker, director of the Atholl Centre, wants to install the facilities to mark the building’s 50th year and as a way to help visitors to the town.

The centre has already raised £27,500 of its £75,000 target and has now welcomed the support of the pair, as well as Deputy First Minister John Swinney.

Mr Walker said: “The Atholl Centre is delighted that Eve Muirhead, the Olympic curling bronze medallist and local girl, has endorsed its crowdfunding campaign to raise funds to install a Changing Places Toilet.

“Pitlochry Community Council and the local MSP, John Swinney, are also endorsing this project as it will benefit the town in different ways.

“Professor Jason Leitch is supporting us in this venture, which we are so pleased about.”

If the target is reached, the centre would become the first location of a Changing Place Toilet in Highland Perthshire.

Mr Walker added: “Anyone with profound or multiple learning disabilities, as well people with other physical disabilities such as spinal injuries, muscular dystrophy, multiple sclerosis and cerebral palsy will soon be able to locate a very special toilet in Pitlochry.”

A Changing Places Toilet provides enough space to accommodate a wheelchair user and two carers in a large room with a centrally placed toilet to facilitate toileting and changing assistance.

There will also be a height-adjustable changing bench, a ceiling track hoist, and shower facilities provided.

To support the campaign, visit www. crowdfunder.co.uk/athollcentrechanging-places-toilet/backers#start

Picture: Andrew Cawley. Eve Muirhead won a bronze at the Sochi Winter Olympics as part of Team GB.

Professor Jason Leitch, the Scottish Government’s national clinical director, is also lending his support to the campaign.