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Perth and Kinross Council get it wrong yet again with how to treat tourists properly
Tourist’s anger over toilet signs By Dave Lord
A TOURIST has criticised Perth and Kinross Council after following public toilet signs through a Perthshire town only to find the promised facility closed.
The visitor, who would prefer not to be named, was left seething after being caught short in Pitlochry.
The highly controversial closure of public conveniences across the region were agreed last year, but signs advertising the facility in Pitlochry remain in place.
“I arrived in Pitlochry after a long journey and—in common with many others, I am sure—wished to relieve myself before doing some shopping,” the tourist remarked.
“My wife and I followed no fewer than three signs which apparently pointed the way to the town’s public toilet.
“I am not too old, and still quite steady on my feet, but it took me some time to reach my destination,” he continued.
“I was therefore disgusted to find the facility closed permanently.”
The visitor said he felt the situation will only serve to deter fellow tourists from visiting Perthshire.
“Everyone knows Perthshire has a wonderful reputation as a tourist destination, so why on earth are these public toilets closed throughout the summer?” he asked. “It just does not make sense—surely thousands of tourists visit Pitlochry and all will inevitably need to relieve themselves at some point.
“I appreciate toilets are available in local hotels and restaurants but leaving up the public toilet signs is, frankly, lazy and unprofessional.”
The visitor fears Pitlochry and similar hot-spots could miss out on lucrative tourist cash if the situation is not remedied.
“Tourism is vitally important to places like Pitlochry,” he remarked.
“Anything that puts people off visiting such towns can only be a bad thing for everybody.”
When contacted by The Courier, a spokeswoman for Perth and Kinross Council apologised for the situation and pledged that action would be taken.
“The public toilet information on these signs was temporarily covered until arrangements are put in place to permanently remove the information,” she said.
“The council was unaware the temporary covers were no longer attached, wishes to thank The Courier reader for bringing the matter to our attention, and apologises for any inconvenience caused.
“The council will aim to ensure the permanent removal of the misleading signs as soon as possible,” she added.
The Courier Sept 13th 2005
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