Erskine schoolkids at Park Mains High in a lather over lack of soap dispensers in boys’ toilets

Boys at Park Mains High say that, as soap dispensers in the gents’ toilets were broken, they had to use their own hand sanitiser, even amid concerns over the spread of coronavirus in recent months.

NHS bosses and the Scottish Government have repeatedly warned of the need to wash hands properly but council chiefs only took action last week by installing a temporary solution.

One pupil, who asked not to be identified, told The Gazette: “In the boys’ toilets, students have had to go without soap for more than six months as the dispensers have not been refilled.

“Students have had to begin bringing hand sanitiser due to the appalling lack of soap.”

The revelation comes after more positive coronavirus cases were confirmed in Scotland yesterday, taking the total to 36.

The number in NHS Greater Glasgow and Clyde, which covers Renfrewshire, remains at just three but health bosses are continuing to urge caution over the virus’ spread.

A spokesperson for Renfrewshire Council said: “Good hand hygiene is extremely important to reduce the risk of illness spreading and we are ensuring that appropriate hand-washing facilities are available for all pupils and staff within our schools.

“We’re aware that some soap dispensers in Park Mains are currently faulty and these have been reported for repair.

“In the interim, replacement dispensers have been fitted to ensure that sufficient hand-washing facilities are available.”

Meanwhile, in a bid to combat the spread of the virus in Renfrewshire, holy water fonts at Catholic churches were emptied last week.

The Diocese of Paisley also asked parishioners not to give the traditional ‘sign of peace’ by shaking hands during Mass.

A spokesperson for the diocese said: “We have a duty to protect each other by good general hygiene, especially washing hands frequently and thoroughly.”

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