Meeting of the Parliament 20 March 2019
We all have a role in encouraging businesses to understand that making their toilets accessible is good for business—that is one of the important things that we can do. I think that the mobile app that is under development might help with that, because I can see an obvious advantage to businesses that are on that map. I hope that the business community hears that message.
Alison Johnstone mentioned public transport, and my colleague Paul Wheelhouse, the Minister for Energy, Connectivity and the Islands, is keen to point out an example of good practice in that regard. He has made me aware that the refit of the MV Hrossey on the northern isles route will include, for the first time, a changing places toilet. That shows that where there is a will, there is a way. We need to consider the issue at all points, because it is clearly important.
In addition, the Government is investing £6 million in the rural tourism infrastructure fund to support public infrastructure in rural tourism hotspots, including the provision of toilets. I hope that that will help in some more rural areas where there is particular pressure.
I again thank Pauline McNeill for bringing the debate to the Parliament and I thank members for their contributions. I particularly thank the members of the cross-party group on IBD. Liam McArthur was absolutely right that the group has a positive role in helping to develop policy, representing the community and ensuring that we are all aware of what can be, as members have said, a hidden disability but which, clearly, should not be.
It is the Government’s intention to continue to work together across Government, with our partners and with health and social care services to ensure that everyone living with IBD in Scotland has access to the best possible care and support.
Meeting closed at 18:00.