Trowels to be left in Highlands lay-bys for ‘urgent toilet breaks’ as more Britons holiday in UK

Garden trowels are to be left in 90 lay-bys in the Highlands for holidaymakers to use in case of urgent toilet breaks.

The move comes amid a rise in visitor numbers to the area as Britons swap foreign holidays for so-called staycations due to the pandemic.

Local authorities around the UK have reported that the influx of tourists has prompted an increase in both fly camping in beauty spots and outdoor toileting.

Now one local body, Lochbroom Community Council, which covers a popular area around Ullapool and Dundonnell in the Highlands’ Wester Ross, has announced it is taking action to tackle the issue.

The plastic spades will be left to offer an “emergency, last resort” for travellers making their way through the famous NC500 coastal route and unable to find a bathroom.

The organisation also plans to install signs in all 100 lay-bys in its region, directing new visitors to the nearest public toilets.

Chairman Topher Dawson insisted that new visitors to the area were “welcome” as he announced the move, which could come into force as soon as this weekend.

He told the BBC: “A lot of people don’t realise facilities can be thin on the ground in this part of the world.

“We felt a temporary urgent solution was needed, although we hope people will first consider finding a public toilet if one is within reach.”

Some facilities in the region remain closed due to Covid-19 safety precautions, but Mr Dawson said he was also hopeful increased numbers of public toilets will be installed in the coming year.

As part of its bid to protect the natural environment, the body will also share advice from Mountaineering Scotland on considerate camping behaviour.

The move comes after the Highland Council and community groups appealed to visitors to "leave only footprints”, while a Western Isles local authority, Comhairle nan Eilean Siar, has urged tourists travelling the islands in campervans to plan ahead for toilet breaks.

Local councils from Cornwall to Northumberland have also put out appeals for considerate tourism after images emerged of beaches around the country left covered in litter following the heatwave this week. Many were shared on social media and prompted widespread outcry.

The UK government has listed popular holiday destinations such as Spain on the list of countries requiring quarantine when returning home from holidays, prompting many to opt for "staycations".

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