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You can now answer the call of nature at Rumster Forest's 'wee hooses' thanks to charity group





A Caithness charity group is delighted to announce that two composting toilets are now available in Rumster Forest – an environmentally friendly way to answer the call of nature.

The toilets, affectionately called "wee hooses", have been sited on the grounds of the old outdoor centre, by the Rumster Outdoor Centre Management Group (ROCMG), where a number of camping and woodland activities are still held. Now that the wee hooses are available, new activities are expected to be set up that could include a green gym, playgroup and youth groups visits.

The work party setting up the composting toilets. Leslie Grant treasurer, Pete Nichol helper, Elspeth Husband treasurer, Willie Marshall chairman.
The work party setting up the composting toilets. Leslie Grant treasurer, Pete Nichol helper, Elspeth Husband treasurer, Willie Marshall chairman.

The purchase of the toilets was funded through an award of £3430 from the RWE Camster Wind Farm Community Fund.

Elspeth Husband, the group’s secretary said: "The availability of toilets will encourage more people to come and enjoy a day out at the forest.

"It will allow more organised activities such as scouts, guides or school groups to make better use of the forest. It may also help the group in the planning phase of the larger outdoor centre project as it will be possible to determine demand for such a proposal from known user groups.

Treasurer Leslie Grant and secretary Elspeth Husband removing the protective packaging from one of the 'wee hooses'.
Treasurer Leslie Grant and secretary Elspeth Husband removing the protective packaging from one of the 'wee hooses'.

"This is a huge step forward to actually get something on site after all this time thanks to funding from Foundation Scotland.”

Foundation Scotland’s Caithness based representative, Eilidh Coll, said: “I met Elspeth Husband at the ‘Your Cash, Your Caithness’ event some time ago where the composting toilet application was seeking funding.

"Unfortunately, it was unsuccessful at that time so I encouraged the group to consider the RWE Camster Fund. It is great to see the project come to fruition and have the toilets available in the forest for users.”

External view of one wee hoose.
External view of one wee hoose.

The ROCMG has its AGM coming up on November 22 and it welcomes new members to help it take the next steps forward. Contact Rumsteroutdoors@outlook.com or through Facebook @rumsteroutdoors

Interior of the new facility.
Interior of the new facility.

Foundation Scotland administers a number of Community Benefit Funds in Caithness for seven wind farms including RWE Bad á Cheò, RWE Bilbster, RWE Camster, Greencoat Stroupster, Gresham House Wathegar 1 and 2 and Whirlwind Achlachan.

Further information on how to apply to any of these funds can be found on the Foundation Scotland website. There are also current opportunities to join the decision making panels. Anybody interested should contact Eilidh Coll on 07801 530 218 or email eilidh@foundationscotland.org.uk.


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