Public Toilets in Edinburgh’s Parks

Edinburgh Skyline

The Edinburgh Public Toilets Project aims to enhance public amenities in Leith Links, The Meadows, and Inverleith Park by constructing new, accessible toilet facilities.

The Meadows

The new public toilets will be located at the intersection of South Middle Meadow Walk and Melville Drive. This central location ensures easy access for park visitors, joggers, and event attendees.

The specific site for the new toilets is near the northern edge of the park, close to the main road, Melville Drive, which runs along the park's northern boundary. South Middle Meadow Walk is a popular path that cuts through the park, making the toilet facility easily reachable for those walking or cycling through the area.

Inverleith Park

Inverleith Park’s new toilets will be situated near the MILK Kiosk at the southern end of the park. This area is popular with families, joggers, and dog walkers, providing a convenient stop for all visitors.

The specific location for the new toilets is near the southern end of the park, close to the popular MILK Kiosk, a well-known spot for refreshments. This area is frequently used by families, joggers, and dog walkers, making it an ideal location for the new facilities. The chosen site is easily accessible from the main paths that run through the park, providing a convenient option for all visitors.

Fun fact: This site was home to Inverleith Park’s original toilets in the 1950s and 60s.

Leith Links

The new public toilets at Leith Links will be on the north side of the main east-west connecting route across the park, near the fence of the tennis courts. This location was chosen for its accessibility to park visitors and proximity to key recreational areas.

The site for the new toilets is near the northern boundary of the park. It is close to the main pathway that runs east to west. This makes it a convenient stop for people walking or cycling through the park.

Features of the New Toilets

Each toilet unit is modular, providing individual, private access to each cubicle, enhancing safety and accessibility. The facilities will include:

• 2 Family accessible cubicles. Equipped with grab rails, hand-washing stations, mirrors, shelves, and disposal bins.

• 1 Individual Cubicle. Standard toilet cubicle.

• 1 Accessible Toilet. Fully compliant with the Equality Act, ensuring accessibility for people with disabilities.

• 1 Changing Places Toilet. A larger, fully accessible unit with additional equipment for those with complex needs. For more information, please visit Changing Places Toilets | PAMIS.

• 1 Storage Room: For park maintenance tools and access to water for community groups.

• Service Area: For utility and maintenance needs.

• Outdoor Water Fountain: Accessible drinking water for park users.

• Sedum Roof: A green, eco-friendly roof that supports biodiversity.

• Live CCTV Camera: For enhanced security.

• LED Lighting: Energy-efficient lighting to ensure safety, especially at night.

• Anti-Vandal Roof: Designed for durability and safety.

• Water-Efficient Management System: To reduce water usage and promote sustainability.

Are the toilets free to use?

Yes, these public toilets will be free of charge. Toilets are not a statutory service, which means councils across the UK are not legally obliged to provide them. The City of Edinburgh Council believes that access to public toilets is a basic human right, and charging would create unnecessary barriers to accessibility and inclusion.

How can you help maintain the toilets?

The upkeep of these facilities is a shared responsibility. We encourage you to:

• Respect the Facilities: Leave them clean and report any issues.

• Report Problems: Let the council know if you spot maintenance issues or vandalism.

• Support Community Initiatives: Join efforts to keep the toilets clean and functional.

Your participation helps us maintain a safe, welcoming environment for everyone.

Our Engagement Efforts

The Thriving Green Space (TGS) team engaged with over 58 stakeholders to identify key needs. As a result of these sessions, the following priorities emerged:

Safety and Comfort:

• CCTV and Regular Supervision

• Well-Lit Areas. Promoting safety and visibility.

• Accessible and Central Locations

Universal Accessibility:

• Inclusive Design. Compliant with the Equality Act (2010) and including Changing Places facilities.

• Unisex and Family-Friendly. Catering to all genders and family needs.

• Clear Signage and Communication Boards

Community Engagement:

• Local Art and Culture. Involving local artists and community groups to create welcoming, inclusive spaces.

• Inclusive Spaces. Promoting a sense of pride and ownership.

Additional Features:

• Frequent Cleaning Schedules. Ensuring cleanliness with sensor-based alerts.

• Eco-Friendly Designs. Green roofs, wildlife-friendly lighting, and waste management systems.

• Technological Integration. Real-time feedback and data-driven maintenance systems.

Special Thanks

PAMIS; Friends of Inverleith Park; Friends of The Meadows; Leith Links Working Group; TaylorEd Foundation; F.A.I.R; The Yard; The Ripple; Independent Carers; Scottish Trans; Edinburgh Women’s Aid; We Run Edinburgh; Police Scotland; Mecopp; Community Councillors; The Equally Safe Edinburgh Committee Lead Officer; The Children affected by disabilities Team Leader; Edinburgh Council’s Horticulture team; Edinburgh Council’s Maintenance and Cleanliness team; Edinburgh Council’s Parks & Greenspaces team; Providing Ongoing Ostomate Support (P.O.O.S) Scotland; WHALE Arts; Fit & Happy

Frequently Asked Questions

What steps were taken to identify the location at The Meadows? Who decided on the location, and why?

In April 2024, the Thriving Green Space team conducted a site visit at The Meadows with Parks Officers, Woodland and Tree Officers, Landscape Architects from AtkinsRéalis, and the contractor, Healthmatic. The location initially suggested in November 2023 near the Cricket Pavilion, at the intersection of Jawbone Walk and Melville Drive, was rejected for the following reasons:

• Tree Canopy and Root Protection Zone. To avoid damaging mature trees. The area has a dense tree canopy, and several trees would have needed to be removed to install the modular toilet unit. The Meadows is a conservation area with a Tree Preservation Order in place.

• Transportation Costs. A large crane would have been required to install the unit, increasing transportation and delivery costs. Potential tree removal would have added further costs.

• Utility Connections: The need for efficient and cost-effective utility connections.

• Visibility: Improving the visibility and accessibility of the toilets was also a priority.

What steps were taken to identify the location at Inverleith Park? Who made the decision, and why?

During a site visit in April 2024 with landscape architects from AtkinsRéalis and the contractor, Healthmatic, the initial location near the depot, alongside the hedge, was dismissed for the following reasons:

High costs associated with hardscaping, including:

• The installation of a retaining structure to address the level change between the footpath and the site.
• The removal of mature trees and a tall hedge that obstructed the footpath.
• The formalisation of the existing access.

These factors would have significantly affected the budget and compromised key project requirements.

What steps were taken to identify the location at Leith Links? Who made the decision, and why?

During a site visit in April 2024 with Landscape Architects from AtkinsRéalis and Healthmatic, the proposed location at Leith Links was deemed appropriate due to its existing utility connections and plans for hedge removal.

Were other locations considered? More details on site investigations.

Yes, we explored various locations before settling on the proposed sites. Below is an outline of why some options were discarded:

The Meadows:

• Temporary Toilets Location: This site was rejected due to limited visibility from the road, restricted accessibility through nearby paths, and concerns that it could be repurposed for large events attracting significant crowds.

• North Meadow Walk: Issues included an extensive tree canopy, no road access, and safety concerns due to the toilets being obscured by trees. The installation would also have incurred high costs, including the need for turf protection and mitigating tree root impact. Utility connections and visibility were also problematic.

Inverleith:

• North side of the green space, in front of the MILK Kiosk: This option was discarded due to the landscaping required for short-term tree planting to extend the perimeter and integrate the building with the landscape.

• Other Locations Across the Park: These were ruled out due to poor visibility, lack of proximity to key park activities, and issues with land ownership and management.

Leith Links:

No further investigation was necessary as the initial location was suitable, aligning with the utility search and the Leith Links Activity Hub Masterplan.

Are public toilets permitted development in parks?

Yes, the City of Edinburgh District Council Order Confirmation Act 1991 addresses permitted buildings in parks, including The Meadows, Leith Links, and Inverleith Park. According to Section 22 of the Act, the construction of public conveniences (public toilets) is explicitly allowed in parks. The relevant text permits:

• Bandstands

• Public conveniences (public toilets)

• Police boxes

• Buildings for housing equipment for the supply of electricity or gas

This means the construction of new public toilets complies with current legislation and does not require special consent from Parliament.

What are modular toilets, and why are they being introduced?

The introduction of modular toilets is a key part of our initiative to enhance public amenities in parks. Modular toilets are:

• Expertly Crafted by Specialised Manufacturers: Built off-site to ensure the highest standards of quality and functionality, tailored for public use.

• Customisable to Meet Diverse Needs: Offering various layouts and features to accommodate all users in a community setting.

• Versatile and Multi-functional: These units can also serve other purposes, such as kiosks or storage spaces, offering more than just toilet facilities to meet local needs.

This webpage is under construction, and more details will be provided soon. For enquiries, please contact: thrivinggreenspaces@edinburgh.gov.uk

Further reading and resources for you to read:

• Changing Places: the practical guide.

• A Public Inconvenience.  

• Public Toilets – How communities are responding to the closure of public toilets by Development Trusts Associations Scotland. 

• Around the Toilet. 

• Toilet Design Toolkit. 

• The Tokyo Toilet project. 

• Publicly Accessible Toilets: Problem Reduction Guide. 

• Marks and Spencer Gyle. Accessible toilet(s).