Scotland
- Tourist
Information - Disabled Travellers
Scotland
with its rolling countryside and old towns is a mixed bag for tourists
with mobility problems. According to a recent review by the European
Commission tourists travelling by car in Scotland will have few
problems, though access to car ferries is in need of upgrading.
Rail travel is feasible though some stations are inaccessible. Using
urban public transport is difficult, though in Edinburgh there are
some modern "kneeling buses" that lower to allow wheel
chair users to easily enter and exit the bus. The Scottish Tourist
Board inspect travel related businesses for accessability and have
produced a guide "Accessible Scotland". You can obtain
a copy by contacting VisitScotland.Com.
Email: info@visitscotland.com
Both
Historic
Scotland and the National
Trust for Scotland can advise on accessibility of visitor
attractions.
You
can also obtain travel advice and information in Scotland and
the UK from the following organisations:
Tripscope
The Vassall Centre
Gill Avenue
Bristol BS16 2QQ
Tel:
From within the UK: 08457 58 56 41 (Calls charged at local rate)
Textphone: 08457 58 56 41 (Calls charged at local rate)
From outside the UK: +44 117 939 7782
Fax: +44 0117 939 7736
Email: enquiries@tripscope.org.uk
Website: Tripscope.org.uk
Edinburgh
A second guide to access to public buildings, cinemas, theatres
and public toilets in the Edinburgh and Lothian area, entitled
'Access in Lothian', together with a range of other information
on facilities and resources for people with disabilities is available
from:
Grapevine
Communications & Public Affairs
University of Edinburgh Centre
7 - 11 Nicolson Street
Edinburgh EH8 9BE
Tel: (University Switchboard): +44 0131 650 1000
Edinburgh Dial-a-ride and Handicabs:
Tel: +44 0131 447 9949
Additional
resources:
RADAR
is a major national cross-disability organisation run by and working
for disabled people and they provide travel advice for people
with disabilities..
Royal
Association for Disability and Rehabilitation
12 City Forum
250 City Road
London EC1V 8AF
Tel: +44 0207 250 3222
Fax: +44 0 207 250 0212
E-mail: radar@radar.org.uk
First
ScotRail Information for travellers with disabilities:
Website:
First
ScotRail - FirstGroup.com
Customers
requiring help with their train journey should telephone:
0845
605 7021
