[Coolhand]

It is a dilemma that the Ladyboys of Bangkok face each year when they perform at the Edinburgh Fringe. They only have a ladies and a gents toilet and the performers do not feel that either is quite for them.

However, they had a saviour in the unlikely shape of former Lord Provost Eric Milligan. The performers laid on a special guard of honour as he and a cleaner from Edinburgh council opened their new katoey looey - the Thai phrase for a third sex toilet.



Councillor Eric Milligan said: "I suppose at 54 years of age there are no many things you are asked to do for the first time in your life, and this is a first - to open a third sex toilet. I'm told that nobody else has done it in the UK before, so if I've broken new ground I am rather pleased."

The performers certainly seem pleased with their new facilities.



One said: "Yes, it's a very nice toilet. Everything in there is nice." Another added: "I like it because I have many perfumes in there. Women love the perfumes, and you can sit and relax in there."

While it may be a third sex toilet, it has some distinctly feminine touches. The whole place is draped in pink velvet and the performers can have a spritz of their favourite perfume. If you come to the show you can use it too, but only if you have the right credentials.



Tony Wilkie-Millar said: "This is not for transvestites, it is not for gay people, it is for ladyboys, and if there are any Scottish ladyboys we would be delighted, although we would require proof."

The ladyboys are performing at the Edinburgh Fringe all month and from now all they will only be bursting with pride for the new loos.