Finding somewhere to spend a penny when you are caught short will become a less desperate task if a councillor has his way.
According to Councillor Donald Macgregor, Scotland should uncross its legs and follow in the footsteps of its antipodean cousins by producing a toilet map.
If his suggestion is not flushed away, the location of every loo open to the public would be charted so that it is easier to find relief.
Australia’s national public toilet map shows the exact spot of 14,000 private and public toilet facilities across the country. The site is available at www.toiletmap.gov.au.
Launched in 2001 as part of the national continence management strategy, the Australian government says it helps families travelling with young children and holiday-makers as well as those suffering from incontinence.
The map, which includes opening hours, can be accessed online and by mobile phone and even allows people to find public conveniences using GPS. It is particularly useful in a country like Australia, where travelling distances can be immense.
But Mr Macgregor, a councillor for East Neuk and Landward, believes there is a need for something similar here.
He said everyone he has spoken to thinks a toilet map for Scotland or Fife is a great idea.
He has written to tourism minister Jim Mather pushing for his suggestion to be taken seriously.
He said, “I would heartily endorse the Australian idea of a toilet map for Scotland and its various areas, to accompany the plethora of advertising material laid out in every tourist office and visitor attraction nationwide.
“People underestimate the importance of proper toilet provision with sensible opening hours.”
Mr Macgregor made his plea to Mr Mather after the issue of public toilet opening times was raised by Crail Community Council.
Last week, he made a bid to persuade the Scottish Government to help local authorities deliver better toilet provision.
However, his hopes were dashed when finance minister John Swinney told him public toilets were a matter for individual councils.
Some of Fife Council’s toilets are listed on its website and the authority has launched a comfort break scheme whereby local businesses are paid to open their toilets to the public.
So far, 22 businesses have applied to take part in the initiative. Mr Macgregor said, “The comfort break scheme is a great idea but it needs time to be developed.”