Plans for new public toilets at Nairn Links Beach have moved another step forward, with Highland Council launching a public consultation on the proposed use of Common Good land for the development.
The statutory consultation opened on Thursday 29 October 2026, giving Nairn residents and other interested parties until 24 December to submit their views.
The proposal involves constructing a new purpose built toilet facility on land beside the existing public toilets at Nairn Links Beach.
The building would provide general public toilets, outdoor beach showers and a fully accessible Changing Places Toilet designed for people who require additional space and specialist equipment.
For residents and visitors with disabilities, the Changing Places facility would offer an important improvement in accessibility at one of Nairn’s best known public spaces.
Unlike standard accessible toilets, Changing Places facilities are designed to accommodate people who need additional assistance, with specialist equipment and sufficient room for users and carers.
The project is being developed through the Nairn Common Good Fund, with Highland Council working alongside community representatives and professional advisers to consider how facilities at the beach could be improved.
A project board was established with representatives from the council, Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise, Nairn River Community Council and professional advisers.
Earlier community engagement included workshops, public exhibitions and an online consultation organised by Nairn Improvement Community Enterprise, commonly known as NICE.
Residents were invited to consider three possible designs for improving the existing toilet provision, with the construction of a new building emerging as the preferred option.
Known as Option 3, the proposal was subsequently refined following feedback and is now progressing through the planning process.
The latest consultation, however, is not simply about whether Nairn needs better public toilets.
It concerns the proposed change of use of Common Good land, which carries particular responsibilities because such property is held by local authorities for the benefit of the community.
Highland Council must consider how the development could affect the existing use and enjoyment of the land, alongside any potential benefits or disadvantages for residents.
The consultation will also examine any implications for the Nairn Common Good Fund.
The distinction matters because support for improved public facilities does not automatically remove the legal requirements surrounding Common Good property.
Under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, the council must consult the community before deciding whether to proceed with the proposed change of use.
All representations received during the consultation period will be considered before a decision is made.
Even if Highland Council supports the proposal following consultation, the development cannot proceed with the proposed change of use without approval from the Sheriff Court.
That additional safeguard means the council’s decision alone would not be sufficient to authorise the change.
Residents now have an opportunity to consider both the proposed improvements and the implications of using Common Good land to accommodate them.
The consultation remains open until 24 December 2026, with the council expected to consider the responses before determining its next steps.
The consultation and associated documentation can be accessed via the Council’s new online consultation platform, Engage Highland
Please submit written responses no later than midnight on the 24 December 2026 either by:
Online: Engage Highland
Email: common.good@highland.gov.uk
Post: Common Good Fund Officer, The Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX
