Highland Council's toilets come top in the UK

8th December 2010

Cleaning staff responsible for looking after The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport service toilets are celebrating after scooping 6 national category awards, 4 major national awards and taking home the top UK Trophy for the best Local Authority Entries.

The Loo of The Year UK Awards took place in Birmingham on Friday and the first results to be announced were the 2010 National Category Winners for Scotland. Thurso Library, Inverlochy Nursery, Acharacle Primary, Invergordon Academy, the Glen Centre in Aviemore and The Archive Centre in Inverness all were announced as Scottish category winners.

2010 National Category Winners (Scotland)

Libraries - Thurso Library

Early Schools - Inverlochy Nursery

Primary Schools - Acharacle Primary

Secondary Schools - Invergordon Academy

Day Centres - Glen Centre, Aviemore

Commercial & Public Offices - Archive Centre, Inverness

The presentation then moved on to announce the Major National Award category winners. Golspie Primary School toilets won the National Accessible Toilets award with the Council also taking the national award for Education Toilets. Organisers of The Loo of the Year Awards introduced two new major national award categories for 2010. The Best Eco Friendly Toilets Award went to Acharacle Primary School in Lochaber and the top Local Authority Entries Award also went to The Highland Council.

Each successful entry was assessed using a strict judging criteria which included signage, décor and maintenance, cleanliness, fixtures and fittings, accessible facilities and overall management and customer care made during an unannounced visit by an authorised Loo Of The Year Awards Inspector.

The final award announced and presented on the day was the UK Trophy winner for best Local Authority Entries with representatives from The Highland Council invited on to the stage to collect the trophy from the Guest of Honour, comedian Les Dennis.

Chairman of The Highland Council's Education, Culture and Sport Committee, Councillor Bill Fernie congratulated everyone involved. He said: "To win so many national awards is a great achievement and reflects the hard work and commitment of our staff who take pride in ensuring the very best of toilet facilities are provided. Our school pupils and teaching staff should also be given credit for their support and efforts to ensure the work of cleaning staff is respected. Competition from across the whole UK for these awards has got stronger each year so to win the top trophy for best Local Authority entries really is an incredible result. Everyone involved should take pride in the fact that they are setting the high standards for the rest of the UK to follow and behalf of the whole council I give them our sincere congratulations. "

During the ceremony the Council was also presented with 49 grading certificates. The number of five star facilities has increased to an all time high of 42. A further 5 toilets were awarded 4 stars and 2 awarded 3 stars.

 

Related Businesses

 

Related Articles

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

Caithness at the Sharp End: Broadband, Buses and Public Services Under Pressure

From the loss of a direct bus link to Inverness to uncertainty over rural broadband, a difficult council budget and the future of community organisations, the past week has provided plenty for Caithness residents to think about.  But there have also been celebrations, local achievements and signs of community spirit.  

31/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Faces a £39.2 Million Budget Gap: Will Council Taxpayers and Services Pay the Price?

Highland Council is facing another difficult financial challenge, with councillors being told that a further £39.2 million in savings must be found over the next three years to balance the authority's finances.   The announcement, made at the full council meeting on 29 October 2026, represents a substantial deterioration in the financial outlook.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Highland Council Visitor Levy Consultation In-person Events Announced

Residents, businesses, community groups and visitors are encouraged to continue to take part in a series of public engagement events to learn more about the proposed Highland Visitor Levy and how they can contribute to the statutory public consultation.   In addition to the online webinars held earlier in the process, a programme of in-person events will continue throughout November.  

30/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Highland Council agrees budget engagement programme

Members of the public, community groups, the business sector and young people will be invited to share their views on how The Highland Council balances its budget and plans spend over the next three years.   The Council needs to find £39.2 million of additional savings over the next three years to deliver a balanced financial plan, driven largely by the impact of rising costs and the ongoing impact of wider economic events.  

29/10/2026 : Local Authority

The Hidden Cost of a 1% Capital Budget Cut: Could Scotland's Schools, Roads and Highland Investment Plans Be Affected?

The Chancellor's decision to reduce departmental capital budgets by 1% could have consequences well beyond Westminster.  Scotland faces a reduction in capital funding, while Highland Council is embarking on a £2.1 billion investment programme that includes a proposed £100 million education campus in Thurso.  

28/10/2026 : Local Authority

When Fuel Prices Rise, Who Pays the Bill for Public Services?

Councils, the NHS and other public bodies face a difficult choice when rising diesel and energy costs threaten the contractors they depend on.  School transport in rural Scotland illustrates the problem.  

27/10/2026 : Local Authority

Gaelic Spending Under Scrutiny: Can Highland Council Afford Another Post While Jobs Are Under Pressure?

The council has legal responsibilities to support Gaelic, but with budgets stretched and services facing difficult choices.  Residents are entitled to ask how priorities are decided across the Highlands.  

24/10/2026 : Local Authority

 
Libraries, Leisure Centres and Local Culture Face Growing Pressure as Council Charges Rise

Audit Scotland warns that cuts to community services could deepen inequalities, while councils lack the evidence to measure the full consequences.   Scotland’s councils are spending less on culture and leisure services while asking the public to pay more to use them, raising questions about the future of libraries, swimming pools, sports facilities, museums and other important parts of community life.  

23/10/2026 : Local Authority

Trading Standards warns of Council Tax refund scam emails

The Highland Council has received reports from customers who have been sent emails containing links to claim an alleged Council Tax refund.   The emails appear to be from a sender describing themselves as the "Council Revenue Authority" team.  

14/10/2026 : Local Authority

Highland Council's Offices: Go Digital, Bring in Mobile Offices and Save Money?

The banks have closed branches across the Highlands and customers have adapted.  With Highland Council facing serious financial pressures, is it time to rethink permanent offices and take council services directly to the people who need them? There was a time when going to the bank meant visiting a branch.