A Wester Ross community is celebrating after finally taking over ownership of its public toilets for just £1.
It is hoped the bargain purchase will prove to be a major boost for tourism along the hugely popular NC500 route.
There was an outcry when Highland Council last year announced a series of closures of public loos across the region in a bid to save money.
The Community Out West Trust was formed to step in and take over the Kinlochewe facility to provide relief for both locals and visitors.
Yesterday, Highland Council confirmed the asset transfer of the Kinlochewe Toilets,car park and picnic area to the trust for the princely sum of £1.
Trust spokeswoman Mary Peart said: “We are delighted. It was the only option to make sure the toilets remained open to not only tourists, but locals.
“We are extremely proud and excited by the decision, which now means that we can confidently proceed to the next round of the Rural Tourism Infastructure Fund.”
Kinlochewe is a key stopping point on the North Coast 500 route, which has become a global marketing hit.
Highland Council said unanimous support was given for the sale of land to the trust, as well as the sale of the car park at the South Bonar Industrial Estate at Bonar Bridge to Kyle of Sutherland Hub. It will now operate the car park.
Highland Council’s chairman of the communities and place committee, Alan Henderson, said: “The two applications are both strong in their evidence on the proposed benefits to their local communities.
“I am really pleased to hear that other community groups are looking to the example being led by Community Out West running their local public toilets.
“Successful community asset transfers like these do help the council with its portfolio of properties and assets across the Highlands.”
