Hopes new toilet facilities at popular site will help alleviate ‘dirty camping’

Green light for improved development on Perthshire route

Plans for a new toilet block in Perthshire could help to tackle complaints about ‘dirty camping’.

The scheme in Aberfeldy will include changing rooms, toilets and facilities for the disposal of so-called grey waste generated by campers and mobile homes.

It has been approved by Perth and Kinross Council following a raft of problems in areas such as the Lochs Tay, Tummel and Rannoch, where locals have been plagued by litter, wildfires and human waste left behind by holidaymakers.

Perth and Kinross Countryside Trust (PKCT) is behind the application for a site near Beyond Adventure at the town’s cemetery.

The team at the outdoor activities centre have agreed to help with its upkeep.

It’s hoped it will also provide facilities for people using a new 50-mile walking route between Perth and Kenmore.

In a report sent to local authority planners, PKCT said: “There is currently only one Portaloo belonging to Beyond Adventure at the car park, which is used by a significant number of people even though it is not a ‘public’ toilet.

“The new multi-use, free-to-use toilet and shower facility at the car park will help mitigate this visitor pressure and will serve as one of several planned information hubs for the River Tay Way with others planned for Kenmore, Dunkeld, Stanley and Perth.”

Local Conservative councillor John Duff said the development is just what the area needs.

He said: “Given some of the widely publicised problems we have experienced in rural areas recently, I welcome consent for this development which will provide additional toilets, showers and other hygiene facilities for visitors to the area.

“It is in a very convenient location for walkers, cyclists, canoeists and travellers of all kinds and Beyond Adventure next door agreeing to look after cleaning of the facility will ensure it is kept clean and in good condition.”

The scheme received the backing of a number of local residents who wrote to planners calling on them to approve it.

Among them was Aberfeldy community council chairman Victor Clements.

He said: “We need good quality tourist and visitor facilities in the area.

“We are aware that there is support for the project from a number of businesses and visitor organisations within the town, as well as support from those who use the cemetery.”

“We need good quality tourist and visitor facilities in the area. VICTOR CLEMENTS

Councillor John Duff is delighted with the new facilities plan.