Local groups on the Isle of Lewis have welcomed a successful funding application from the Scottish Government’s Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund that will support the development of a new fully accessible Changing Places Toilet at Bayble in Point. The application, made in partnership by Point and Sandwick Trust and the Point and Sandwick Community Coastal Path totals £95,344 and will enable plans for a purpose-built, bespoke amenity located beside Bayble Beach and close to Bayble Harbour to commence. The funding application was supported by Bayble Boatowners Association and Lower Bayble Grazings Committee who welcome the plans. The harbour is a community-owned mooring serving small inshore fishing vessels as well as recreational sea fishing, and the new facility will also support users of the coastal path and visitors to Bayble.
The announcement forms part of the Scottish Government’s latest round of investment in Changing Places Toilets, officially confirmed on 27 December. The funding programme will support the development of 59 new facilities across Scotland, helping people with profound disabilities and complex care needs to participate more fully in everyday activities and community life.
Donald John MacSween, General Manager of Point and Sandwick Trust commented, “We are very pleased that this bid has been successfully secured through the Scottish Government’s Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund. This funding will help us progress plans to install a Changing Places Toilet, providing fully accessible facilities for people with complex care needs and their families. These toilets make a real difference, enabling more people to enjoy community spaces and travel with dignity.”
Alasdair Nicholson, Community Consultant with Point and Sandwick Trust, highlighted the wider benefits of the project. “I’m pleased this application for facilities at Bayble has been approved. It creates opportunities for people with disabilities to access the countryside and provides the space they need to do so with their carers. At the same time, it boosts facilities for walkers and cyclists using the recent trail and users of Bayble moorings. Too often the lack of good facilities hampers the development of our own tourism offer and this project serves multiple groups of individuals in what can often be a forgotten requirement.”
Changing Places Toilets provide essential facilities for people whose needs cannot be met by standard accessible toilets. They are designed for people with profound or multiple disabilities, complex care needs, and others who require additional space, specialist equipment and a calm, dignified environment. Facilities include adequate space for wheelchair users and carers, an adult-sized height-adjustable changing bench, a ceiling hoist and a centrally positioned toilet.
Mental Wellbeing Minister Tom Arthur said the funding would make a meaningful difference to people’s lives, enabling greater freedom, dignity and independence, particularly in areas where provision has historically been limited, including rural and island communities such as the Isle of Lewis.
The Scottish Government has committed £10 million to the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund between 2025 and 2027, with further awards expected to be confirmed in the New Year and a second round of applications opening in 2026–27.
Point and Sandwick Trust looks forward to progressing the Bayble project and delivering a facility that supports inclusion, access and dignity for residents, visitors and families across the community.
Pictured: DJ MacSween (PST), Tom Clark (PSCCP), Catherine Anne Smith (Lower Bayble Grazings Committee) Tony Robson (PST), Gary Sturgess (Bayble Boat Owners).
Picture credit: SandiePhotos
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