GALE has undertaken the management of the public toilets in Poolewe under the terms of a Service Level Agreement (SLA) with Highland Council for almost 30 years. Under the most recent iteration of the SLA, Highland Council paid GALE a sum of £2400 per year. During 2023 and 2024, the income received from Highland Council, donations, and fundraising covered approximately 50% of the expenditure required to run the toilets. GALE has covered the shortfall.

In July 2024, correspondence was received from Highland Council requesting payment of outstanding electricity and water charges totalling £1316.54. No bills have been shared and GALE is not the registered customer of the electricity or water suppliers.

This request proved  a tipping point for GALE, at which time we requested an urgent meeting with the Highland Council Ward 5 councillors, alongside Wester Loch Ewe Community Council members. The aim was to establish a partnership plan to put the Poolewe Toilets on a stable financial footing. Regrettably there was no positive engagement with our request.

GALE has had no alternative other than to give notice on the SLA and for Highland Council to resume management responsibility for the Poolewe toilets from 10th November 2024. Should you find the facilities in need of attention, please contact Highland Council on 01349 886606, or email amenity.Services@highland.gov.uk