Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Travellers with Disabilities
Travellers with disabilities will find Scotland a strange mix of user-friendliness and un-
friendliness. Most new buildings are accessible to wheelchair users, so modern hotels and
tourist attractions are fine. However, most B&Bs and guesthouses are in hard-to-adapt
older buildings, which means that travellers with mobility problems may pay more for ac-
commodation. Things are constantly improving, though.
It's a similar story with public transport. Newer buses have steps that lower for easier ac-
cess, as do trains, but it's wise to check before setting out. Tourist attractions usually re-
serve parking spaces near the entrance for drivers with disabilities.
Many places such as ticket offices and banks are fitted with hearing loops to assist the
hearing-impaired; look for a posted symbol of a large ear.
A few tourist attractions, such as Glasgow Cathedral, have Braille guides or scented gar-
dens for the visually impaired.
VisitScotland produces the guide
Accessible Scotland
for wheelchair-bound travellers,
and many tourist offices have leaflets with accessibility details for their area. Regional ac-
commodation guides have a wheelchair-accessible criterion.
Many regions have organisations that hire out wheelchairs; contact the local tourist of-
fice for details. Many nature trails have been adapted for wheelchair use.
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