WHEN people think of popular Scottish visitor attractions they often think of castles, scenic lochs, and grand galleries and museums.
But on one island, a small building housing public restrooms has captivated countless visitors.
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The Victorian Toilets in Rothesay on the Isle of Bute have become a tourism hit.
One delighted visitor hailed the facilities as the “most wonderful cisternal decoration this side of Rome”.
Also known as West Pier Public Convenience, the striking loos are located by the seaside town’s harbour.
Built in 1900, the toilets were built to replace less impressive cast iron lavatories.
The ladies and gents facilities came into their own during Rothesay’s heyday as a resort destination.
Holidaymakers, many from Glasgow, would visit the town on steamboats, like the Waverley, and the toilets were one of the first sights to greet them.
The interior floor and walls of the brick-built toilet block are decorated with patterned tiles.
There are also private stalls and stunning marble sinks and urinals.
Most of the ornate fixtures and fittings were supplied by the Cheshire bathroom firm Twyford.
The building was previously visited by King Charles, when he was Duke of Rothesay, and even has a visitors’ book
They were refurbished in 1994 and there is also a disabled toilet and a shower.
The beautifully crafted toilets have attracted high praise in recent years.
They have racked up 4.5 stars on the travel review site Tripadvisor.
One delighted visitor wrote: “Definitely worth a visit. The male toilets are beautifully restored and impressive to see.”
Another said: “Just by the harbour in Rothesay exists an unprepossessing toilet block, but when you go inside to, well, ‘go’, you’re confronted with the most wonderful cisternal decoration this side of Rome. Seriously though, worth popping your head in just to have a look.”
A third gushed: “It was amazing in such good condition and so clean. Would recommend people to go and visit this site, better than toilets we have now.”
The toilets are free to visit and can be reached in around two hours from Glasgow.
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Trains run between Glasgow Central and Wemyss Bay and the ferry ride takes just over 30 minutes.
Ardencraig Gardens, Rothesay Castle, Mount Stuart House, and the winter gardens are other popular attractions on the island.
