Concerns raised after visitors caught short at Orkney's Ring of Brodgar

Concerns have been raised regarding a famous Scots landmark after it was used for “undesirable toileting behaviour”.

Councillors on Orkney Island Council’s policy and resources committee discussed ways to improve tourism after visitors were caught short at Orkney’s Ring of Brodgar.

On Thursday councillors discussed ways to improve the management of Orkney’s tourism industry after the island welcomed an estimated 320,000 tourists in 2022.

One of the improvements discussed was the possibility of providing temporary toilets however they did not commit to installing them at the car park of the visitor attraction.

The councillors made the decision after it was estimated that costs for putting in place, maintaining and cleaning temporary toilets for the main tourist season could reach £95,000, despite tourists spent tens of millions across Orkney last year.

Costs for putting in place, maintaining and cleaning temporary toilets for the main tourist season were estimated at up to £95,000 over a three-year period, and councillors decided not to commit to installing them.

The issue was instead referred back to the council’s development and infrastructure committee.

A report before members said: “The increasing volume of visitors to the Ring of Brodgar and lack of toilet provision has led to undesirable toileting behaviour near the car park, which has been highlighted as a key concern.

“It is considered possible, but highly challenging, to achieve a decision on planning in time to enable provision for the 2024 tourist season.”

The Neolithic Ring of Brodgar is a ceremonial site near Stenness and was built over 5,000 years ago.

It is the third largest stone circle in the British Isles.