Cumbrae Community Development Company (CCDC) took over the public toilets on the Isle of Cumbrae from North Ayrshire Council on 1 April 2017, and have issued the following statement in relation to the winter opening hours of public toilets on the island...

CCDC have now managed these assets for five months and now have a clear understanding of operating and maintenance costs.

North Ayrshire Council have provided £15,000.00 towards the ongoing costs with total costs spent so far, amounting to £ 15,644.91.

CCDC are very grateful for the support received from a number of sponsors and donors, including Kelburn Wind Farm, Cumbrae Elderly Forum and all of the independent retailers who have collection tins on their counters to assist in funding the upkeep of the public toilets.

The toilets have suffered from a severe lack of maintenance over a number of years and CCDC have so far spent over £4,000 in essential repairs and are thankful for the support in painting and general tidying up of these toilets from a range of groups and individuals on the island.

CCDC have met to review the operating and maintenance costs; and deliberated on which of these facilities we will keep open over the winter months. The decision was made that to save costs that we will operate Crocodile Rock and the Pierhead toilets only from mid-October to mid-February.

These facilities will remain open to assist local businesses throughout the winter months.

CCDC have met and agreed with Sports Scotland and Field Studies Council that their toilets can be utilised by visitors who may be walking or cycling around the island over this period.

Our local contractor Suki McGregor will be on hand to manage the facilities over the winter months and we continue to ask for local business and tourism support. If any group or individual wishes to sponsor or donate to the costs of keeping these facilities open to locals and visitors, please contact Michael Bertram on 01475 531381.