Disgraceful

Sir, I wish to highlight my concern that the public toilets on Arran have been closed to the public.

Last week I was with three grandchildren at the beach area at Brodick. The public toilets were closed. A notice advised us that the nearest toilet was at the library, approximately a five minute walk with a fouryear-old, a five-year- old and an eight-year-old.

We walked to the library to find it was closed on a Wednesday and then proceeded back towards the town. By the time we got to the Fiddlers Bar the fouryear-old had wet herself, causing her great distress.

The staff in the bar kindly allowed her to use their facilities. It was an upsetting and embarrassing episode for the family and necessitated the purchase of clean clothing for the child.

I have an ileostomy and have regular, short notice occasions, when I need access to facilities to change or empty the stoma bag. If this had been one of those occasions I would have been left with faecal soiling to my clothing.

It is utterly disgraceful that any family should be put in this position. We have been visiting Arran yearly since 1987. I would be anxious about returning.

I am sure you have had many such messages and, as this is just the start of the summer season, shall have many more.

I have sent a complaint to North Ayrshire Council and to The Scottish Parliament.

Additionally I have signed the petition started by the local community and have posted it on Facebook. This is an environmental health issue that just cannot be permitted.

Yours, Gail Robinson Neilston.