Scottish Government opens £10m fund to create up to 150 new disabled toilets

The Scottish Government has opened a £10 million fund to build up to 150 new disabled toilets.

The Changing Place Scotland fund has opened for applications, with the money to last for the next two years.

Changing Places Toilets are designed to be bigger than normal facilities to allow for easy wheelchair use as well as have the necessary equipment and layout to help those with disabilities.

Mental wellbeing minister Tom Arthur said access to toilets is a “fundamental human right”.

“Changing Places Toilets offer vital facilities for people with disabilities and their families and carers whose needs cannot be met through standard accessible toilet provision,” he said.

“I am very pleased the fund has now launched.

“This £10 million investment in Changing Places Toilets will make a huge difference to thousands of disabled people and their families and carers, enabling them to participate fully in society and access community resources.”

Jenny Miller, the chief executive of disability organisation Pamis, said the funding would “dramatically increase” the number of facilities in Scotland and will make an “enormous difference”.

She said: “Filling the gaps in the provision of this essential facility will open up the whole of Scotland and ensure everyone has the same opportunity to travel, access public spaces and engage in their communities.

“We are proud to be working alongside both the Scottish Government and Inspiring Scotland on this important project over the coming months, helping to ensure that new Changing Places Toilets are thoughtfully planned, well supported, and sustainably delivered across the country.”