Repairs are being carried out at the vandalised toilet block in Wick’s Whitechapel Road.
The building has been closed since being deliberately damaged just before Christmas.
Police Scotland said on Tuesday that enquiries are ongoing. Meanwhile, Highland Council confirmed that a contractor had attended on Monday to start repairs.
A spokesperson for the local authority said: “We will reopen this site as soon as the repairs have been completed.”
The new-look toilets, which cost £395,000, were described as “first class” when they were officially opened at the start of July.
As well as new fittings, upgraded services and a new roof covering, the building was equipped with showering, baby-changing and locker facilities.
It was hoped that the inclusion of CCTV cameras in the revamped building would act as a deterrent against further unruly behaviour.
The toilets had been closed since early 2020 after previous acts of vandalism. Norbloc Construction carried out the refurbishment.
Members of the Royal Burgh of Wick Community Council discussed the matter at their monthly meeting on Monday night and agreed to request an update from the local authority.
Community council chairman Allan Farquhar said: “Obviously the toilets are of quite a bit of interest after all the money they spent on CCTV and other gadgetry. The damage is really concerning.”
Community councillor David Dunnett speculated: “What happened with the toilets must have been what we always said would happen – somebody left a stone or something in the door and then they just walked in. It’s supposed to lock itself at a certain time.
“There is a fair bit of damage.”
Police received a report of damage to the toilets on Monday, December 23. Since then a sign has been posted on the door saying: “This building is closed due to vandalism.”
A few days after Christmas, Highland Council leader Raymond Bremner, who represents Wick and East Caithness, reported that the vandalism was “mainly in respect of the doors and door frames to the public showers and the automatic flush sensors”.
Councillor Bremner said at the time: “It’s a real shame that a new facility for the local people and visitors to the town has been targeted by mindless thugs right at one of the busiest times of the year.
“I hope that the new CCTV equipment in and around the building will assist the Highland Council and Police Scotland to track down whoever was involved in this.”
Closure sign at the Whitechapel Road toilets.
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