NEW build Glasgow primary schools are to have unisex toilets.

There will be no separate facilities for boys and girls in three new schools in a move that has been questioned by parents.

It is the first time a new school has been designed to have one set of lavatories for all pupils.

Council bosses say unisex toilets cut bullying and anti-social behaviour, boost cleanliness, are more cost-effective and can provide a less intimidating experience for LGBT pupils.

David McEwan, Estate Programme Manager for Education Services, said Glasgow is not the first local authority to introduce unisex toilets.

He was also quick to point out that each floor will have a fully accessible toilet away from the main toilets that can be used by any pupil who does not want to use the mixed toilets.

He added: “Bullying is reduced, behaviour is improved, no graffiti, no soggy bombs on the ceilings.

“It also assists in the LGBT agenda because if we have children even in primary school who are confused about their gender and worry, ‘Do I go to the girl’s toilet or the boy’s toilet?’ - well, it doesn’t matter.”

Mr McEwan likens the new toilets to a row of disabled access toilets in that they will be fully enclosed but share a row of sinks.

He said: “It saves a lot of space. We try to make assets now that will really sweat. New schools cost £3000 a sq metre so we need to make sure we are getting absolute bang for our buck.”

Overcrowded Hillhead Primary School required new toilets to be built and was given a block of six unisex toilets.

Although there were still designated male and female toilets, teachers report that all pupils - even those from minority groups - are comfortable using the unisex block.

Both genders will share lavatories in Gowanbank Primary School, which is currently around 50 per cent completed.

Planning applications have been submitted for Blairdardie and Carntyne primaries with construction expected to begin in the summer.

All three schools are being constructed under the council’s 4Rs programme, a five-year project to rebuild or refurbish every C or D grade primary and nursery school in Glasgow.

While no objections have been submitted to the Carntyne planning proposals, several have been lodged protesting the unisex toilets in Blairdardie.

Malcolm Balfour, SNP councillor for Drumchapel and Anniesland, said parents had approached him about their concerns around the new school.

He said: “In Scandinavian countries they do this quite successfully but this is the first primary school in Glasgow.

“I can see that it teaches kids it doesn’t matter what their gender is. A girl who feels trapped in a boy’s body and a boy who feels trapped in a girl’s body might feel embarrassed to be going into the ‘wrong’ toilets.

“But girls mature more quickly than boys and they start to develop towards the end of primary school and they need their privacy.

“Parents feel they should have been consulted first.”