Broughty Ferry’s changing places toilet has been criticised after a family opted to go home instead of use the “dirty” and “flimsy” facility.
Roisin Johnston recently visited the amenity, which is larger than a traditional disabled toilet, with her four-year-old son Indiana.
The non-mobile and non-verbal youngster has hydrocephalus — a build-up of fluid on the brain — as well as uncontrollably epilepsy.
The pair hoped to enjoy a day out at the popular tourist spot but were left disappointed in the condition of the beach toilet, which had been left with water and sand throughout after being left open for anyone to use.
The toilet, on The Esplanade, is usually only accessible to those with a Radar key, a specialist security tool.
Roisin, who is from Douglas but now lives in the Hilltown, said as well as being messy, the facility’s toilet seat was “very loose” leaving it unusable.
The 38-year-old said: “We have been to it a few times and each time the door has been left open.
“The toilet is very loose. I wouldn’t want to sit on it never mind someone who has disabilities.
“With Dundee only having a few changing places it has really restricted us taking our son out.
“We have to really plan ahead, we have recently come back from holiday in Blackpool and the changing places were great.
“They had about three all within a 10 minute walk of each other and the Wetherspoons one was amazing.”
There are currently just five of the facilities, which have more room for people with complex disabilities, in all of Dundee.
Dundee-based charity Pamis (Promoting a more inclusive society) has been campaigning for more changing places toilets in the city.
Recently, the group has been successful in convincing Scotrail to introduce one at the new train station, with the help of previous transport minister Humza Yousaf.
Ferry councillor Craig Duncan said the news of the family’s difficulties had left him frustrated.
He said: “It’s obviously very disappointing to hear that families are deciding to to go home instead of use the facilities.
“These kinds of things are there for the exact reason to encourage everyone to get out and about with minimal stress.
“If they feel the facility isn’t in a good enough condition then we need to do better.
“The reality is we are in competition with other similar seaside places.
“We have been better in recent times but we need to be on the top of our game if we want people to visit and keep coming back.
“Everyone who visits spends money and contributes to the area.
“We all know it costs money to maintain good facilities but it’s a necessity.”
A Dundee City Council spokesperson said: “We are looking into this.”
