Angus business owners have been asked whether they would like to spend a few pennies on a prime location in the shade of a famous tree.
The Dibble Tree in Carnoustie was planted by town founder Tammas Louson in 1797 and is considered the first “man-made” object of the modern settlement.
Until recently, the council operated a public toilet next door in Ferrier Street before a programme of convenience closures and sell-offs.
And new owners The Real Dragons Den are hoping the location and price will attract a dog grooming salon or similar business.
Two freehold businesses are now for sale – the footprint of the former gents’ toilet is £15,500 and £17,500 for the ex-ladies’ – or £33,000 for a clean sweep. The gents’ is cheaper due to structural differences.
The firm’s Calum McLean said the leafy location is a pleasant one for dog walkers, and a groomer or office would be a good choice.
He asked: “What do you do with an old loo building?
“Many local authorities are closing them down and some are eyesores.
“The one we have is next to the famous Dibble Tree, so it behoves us to find a use that is sympathetic to the location.”
There is form for public conveniences turning into eateries and coffee shops.
The Attendant in London’s Fitzrovia district was built in 1890 and mothballed in the 1960s before the original Doulton porcelain urinals were repurposed as seats for a popular coffee house.
“Someone in London actually turned one of these toilets into a café,” Mr McLean added.
“It worked for them but we are all a bit squeamish about having tea on the toilet.”
Set up by a group of friends in 1999, the company has turned around 24 closed businesses or derelict buildings and supported 112 jobs in the UK and USA.
Their first venture was the old Keil Hotel, in Southend by the Mull of Kintyre, which did not transpire but turned a profit and helped finance later purchases.
The Art Deco building can be seen from Northern Ireland, Ailsa Craig and Sanda and is now being restored by local businessman Donnie McLean.
