1. Watch our toilet facilities guidance video
This short video will take you through the elements that you will need to consider relating to your toilet facilities.
Improving the toilet facilities you offer
Providing visitors with a high quality toilet facilities can be crucial. This is irrespective of the type of business you operate.
Benchmarking against some of the best attractions that Scotland has to offer can help you to raise standards and deliver success.
2. Best practice examples
Browse the following toilet facilities elements we assess. These are some of the best practice examples of businesses that have achieved the highest scores.
Please note that all specific examples should be taken as general guidance of 10/10. There may be some changes in standards since those scores were awarded.
Visitor flow looks at how the facilities work in terms of the ease of use for the visitor. This covers all types of visitors.
You should consider how the visitor gets into the facilities and then how they negotiate them, once in. It's within your power to manage this space effectively, for their increased comfort.
At present, there are no specific 10/10 best practice examples are available for reference for this scoring section. To achieve 10/10 best practice standards, the following guidance points must be met:
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unobstructed, spacious toilet facilities (this will allow comfortable visitor flow into and out of the toilets)
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very clear, unobstructed space between all main facilities within the toilet area (this will allow for free visitor movement between each area)
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obvious, effective positioning of additional facilities, for example hand dryers, soap dispensers, bins (this will ensure maximum ease of use for visitors and no obstructions)
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ample storage / hanging / shelf space for visitor belongings, located in an area of maximum convenience for the visitor
This section looks at the intrinsic quality and condition of all fixtures and fittings within the facilities. Includes quality of soap, hand towels, dryers, tissues and any other extras in place.
Clynelish Distillery
- outstanding design-led facilities with a co-ordinated finish
- plentiful supply of high-quality Scottish soap, and hot water available at all times
- duel flush system on high quality sanitary-ware, and effective high powered hand dryers in place
This score covers the intrinsic quality and condition of walls and wall-coverings (tiles, painted plaster), flooring, woodwork, and any enhancements used such as pictures. Five-star scoring will also see effective use and maintenance of lighting, heating and ventilation. Looks at the intrinsic quality of décor, flooring, fixtures and fittings, condition, enhancements used, suitable décor for a toilet / wet facility / area. Effective use of and the condition and maintenance of lighting, heating and ventilation.
There are no specific examples of 10/10, as this score can be affected with wear and tear, refurbishment and re-decoration year on year. Businesses should consider the following:
- high quality, hard wearing décor, all in excellent condition
- walls fully tiled or similar quality hard wearing finish – particular attention paid to wet areas (washbasins, toilets and urinals)
- no evidence of wear and tear on windows, doors, walls, flooring
- pristine paintwork and woodwork
- use of enhancements, for example pictures and signage appropriate to the attraction, all in excellent condition
- high quality, hard wearing flooring in excellent condition, appropriate to the location
- high quality toilet cubicles and all fittings in excellent order (handles, locks)
- effective ventilation, heating and lighting in full working order
Five-star scoring will see a provision of toilet facilities that will meet demand and the needs of varying visitor types at all times. Positioning of the restrooms within the attraction will be considered.
The same goes for the ratio of facilities themselves, like the number of soap dispensers versus basins or hand-dryers. This is in order to encourage optimal use by visitors.
The Castle and Gardens of Mey
- appropriate number of facilities available to cope with visitor numbers at peak times
- ratio of wash basins to soap dispensers to cubicles and hand dryers
Visit the Castle and Gardens of Mey website for more information.