Wednesday October 8th 2025
MP for Midlothian Kirsty McNeil
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Local MP Kirsty McNeill is calling on community organisations across Midlothian to apply for the Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund, a vital initiative aimed at improving accessibility for disabled people and their carers.
During her maiden speech, Kirsty pledged to support disabled children and their families – a commitment shaped by her conversations with parents and carers during her campaign.
Since then, Kirsty and her team have engaged with nearly 50 families across Midlothian to better understand what is working well and where improvements are needed.
A recurring issue raised by families is the lack of Changing Places toilets in public spaces – specialist facilities designed for people with severe disabilities. Currently, only IKEA and Dobbies in Midlothian provide fully accessible toilets equipped with
hoists, privacy curtains, adult-sized changing benches and sufficient space for carers.
The Changing Places Toilets Scotland Fund provides a vital opportunity to address this gap, with the fund covering project costs and offering up to £10,000 in development costs for organisations seeking to build a Changing Places facility.
Kirsty McNeill MP has urged local businesses and organisations to apply for this funding, saying:
“Too often, the absence of Changing Places toilets forces individuals and families to make unacceptable choices – to stay at home, to drastically reduce fluid intake before going out or to be changed on unhygienic toilet floors. Some people have even undergone life-changing surgery simply to cope with the anxiety around toilet access.
These are not choices anyone should have to make. I encourage all eligible local organisations to consider applying for this funding.”
The deadline for this funding is Monday 20th October 2025 at 12pm.
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