UK-style toilets can be confusion for Chinese visitors

London: A boom in Chinese visitors is a boost for Scottish tourism – but it has resulted in one unwelcome trend.

People is some parts of China are used to squat loos with no seats. So when they come across UK-style toilets, there can be confusion and the visitors end up standing on the seats to squat.

To avoid the problem, bosses at Ben Nevis Highland Centre in Fort William have put up signs explaining toilet etiquette.

The signs also point out that toilet paper should be flushed and not put in bins, which is a common practice in many countries where plumbing is less sophisticated.

Staff at the popular restaurant and woollen mill say the signs are not meant as a rebuke but are intended to help and educate visitors.

They say cultural norms vary from country to country and they’re just trying to help.

A member of the centre’s management team added: “We have all nationalities visiting the store and we welcome all cultures. “We do have to replace toilet seats quite a lot.

“The tour guides (with Chinese visitors) are normally Chinese and they are supposed to explain things to them.

“But if it’s what they are used to, especially little children, it’s hard not to do. We are not intending to offend anyone – it’s factual education.”

The manager said Fort William businesses are actively trying to attract more Chinese visitors. She said: “There is such a big opportunity in the Chinese market. The local Chamber of Commerce are trying to encourage more partnerships.”