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The Highland Council has launched a statutory consultation, under the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015, on a proposal involving the disposal and change of use of Common Good land at Dornoch Links Beach Car Park. The consultation opened on 15 October 2026, and Dornoch residents have until 10 December 2026 to respond.
The proposal, brought forward by the Dornoch Beach Wheelchairs charity, is to install a Changing Places Toilet with the required infrastructure beside the car park. The facility is intended to complement the group's work to improve access to the beach for people with mobility and additional needs. The charity already operates a storage facility for beach wheelchairs at the site and plans to manage both facilities under a 25-year lease.
A Changing Places Toilet is a specialist accessible facility for people with disabilities who need more space and equipment than a standard accessible toilet provides. Such facilities typically include an adult-sized changing bench, a ceiling hoist, an accessible toilet, and sufficient space for carers, enabling users to access them safely, comfortably and with dignity.
The Council is seeking views from residents and other local stakeholders. Feedback will help it assess potential benefits, concerns and impacts on the current use, enjoyment and management of this Common Good asset.
All representations will be considered before any decision is taken. If the Council supports the proposal, it will be required to obtain consent from the Sheriff Court before any disposal or change of use can proceed. Consultation responses and the final decision will be published on The Highland Council's website.
This consultation specifically addresses Common Good requirements under Section 104 of the Community Empowerment (Scotland) Act 2015. Should the proposal progress, further statutory consents, including planning permission, would still be needed.
Details and documents are available on the Council's online consultation platform, Engage Highland (engage.highland.gov.uk/). Please submit responses by midnight on 10 December 2026 via: Engage Highland (engage.highland.gov.uk/); email: [email protected]; or post: Common Good Fund Officer, The Highland Council HQ, Glenurquhart Road, Inverness, IV3 5NX.
