Disabled individuals in Inverness are to benefit from greater facilities following a £10,000 transformation of a public toilet.
The Pamis toilet, located within the main lobby of the Eastgate Centre’s level two car park, was initially installed around 17 years ago alongside Shopmobility as part of the second phase of construction on the shopping outlet.
Following years of wear and tear, the facility under went a major transformation with the substantial costs being met by both the Inverness Common Good Fund and Eastgate.
Fiona Macleod – Chiarini, 38, from Ullapool first discovered the bathroom whilst taking her younger brother Ewan, 34, – who suffers with Septo-optic dysplasia (SOD) – to the centre.
After donating a battery for the toilet’s existing bed, Mrs Chiarini felt more could be done, leading her to reach out to Manager Jackie Cuddy.
She says having these new facilities will help transform the lives of disabled people by giving them back their “dignity”.
She said: “We have lived in the Highlands for 10 years, and we didn’t even realise the bathroom even existed.
“This will just make things more positive and I think everyone has a right to dignity.”
The facility, which now has “Changing Places” status, has been named The Lachie Smith Room, in tribute to a campaigner for equal rights for disabled people.
His widow May spoke at the official opening ceremony.
She said: “I am just so full of emotion that he has been recognised for it. He really has put his whole life into helping the disabled people. This was a pipe dream for such a long time, he would be so proud.
“He fought for 10 years to get one in Raigmore because having been a patient for years the only toilet that was accessible to him was the one next to the tea room.
The facility – which is the only one of its kind in the city centre – will help meet the needs of people with complex care needs, offering a bed for changing facilities as well as adequate space to accommodate a wheelchair and one or two carers.
Depute Provost Graham Ross described the campaigner as “one of life’s great characters”.
He said: “Lachie did so much for so many people over so many years. He had time for everybody and he always made time. He was an absolute gentleman. There was nothing that he wasn’t able to do to make a difference.
“This is a fantastic facility for Inverness to have and people comfortable and utilise a proper facility with proper facilities making sure their dignity is maintained. It’s a beautiful facility and it’s great to see.”