Trowels placed in Highland lay-bys to tackle calls of nature

LAY-BYS across parts of the Scottish Highlands are to be equipped with garden trowels to try to tackle people relieving themselves in the countryside.

About 150 plastic tools are to be made available at roadside areas around tourist hotspots near Ullapool and Dundonnell under plans announced by councillors.

While tourists are typically encouraged to use public lavatories, the trowels will provide an emergency solution for visitors, who will be able to use the tools to bury their waste.

The area covered by the scheme is part of the North Coast 500 scenic road route, which has recently had an influx of visitors opting for staycations rather than travelling abroad.

So far 90 plastic trowels have been ordered by the Lochbroom community council, and there are plans to order 60 more. The council has also printed maps of lavatory facilities in the area with the help of a £900 grant from the North Highland Initiative.

Topher Dawson, chairman of Lochbroom community council, believes that the area’s lack of facilities, combined with a sharp rise in visitors, has caused an increase in tourists needing to relieve themselves outdoors.

He said: “It’s easy to get outraged about this, but I actually feel sorry for visitors to the Highlands who need to do the toilet outdoors.

“We’ve got around 60 or 70 miles of road in the area and there’s a gap of about 50 miles with no toilet at all.”

As the number of visitors has increased, there have been growing tensions between neighbouring residents and visitors.

Locals living along the North Coast 500 route have criticised wild campers for allegedly leaving rubbish around and ruining idyllic beauty spots.

It is hoped that the latest initiative will improve community relations.

Mr Dawson added: “We want to make visitors and locals free from contamination. It’s not a great situation but we’re just trying to do the best we can.”