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Scottish self-catering accommodation is given three gradings by Visit Scotland (formerly the Scottish Tourist Board) for mobility impaired visitors. Each property is visited by them, carefully assessed and is then given one of the 3 Visit Scotland gradings:
It is important to know exactly what the requirements are for each category. If a holiday property says it has been awarded one of these categories, then you can book knowing exactly what it means. If you have any extra requirements or are not clear on any point, it is always best to ask the cottage owner to clarify things so there are no surprises and you have booked the most suitable accessible self-catering cottage for your needs.
Accessible Tourism (or Inclusive Tourism as it is often called) is very important to all holiday cottage owners and whilst they can't all make the adjustments necessary to be graded by Visit Scotland (or indeed haven't applied for the accreditation) some are very accessible for wheelchair users and others will welcome a guide or hearing dog. Many properties are suitable for visitors with limited mobility - usually with a downstairs bedroom and bathroom (often with hand rails etc, but do check with the owner before booking their cottage to double check that it meets with your requirements). Lots of holiday cottages are on one floor only and have a ramp to the entrance and wheelchair access throughout. The range of accessible holiday accommodation in Scotland is improving but it's still limited - we have a selection here and hope one will fit your requirements.
All inside routes to be used by the wheelchair-using guest must be level or ramped.
Access to the dining room, sitting room, bedroom, bathroom and WC (where not en suite) must be level or ramped with thresholds no higher than 2 cm.
Bedroom
The surface of the bed must be between 45-54cm above the floor.
Light switches, door handles, TV controls, wardrobe rails, etc., should be easily accessible and no more than 140 cm above the floor.
The light switch must be no more than 50 cm from the bed.
WC
Only one WC in the holiday property needs to meet these requirements.
The horizontal support rail opposite the transfer space must be no more than 50 cm from the centre of the seat.
Bathroom
The door handle and light switch must be 140 cm or less above the floor.
The horizontal or angled support rail at the far side of the bath must be no more than 30 cm above the rim.
The rim of the bath must be 45 - 50 cm above the floor of the bathroom.
When only a shower is available to the visitor then the controls must be 140 cm or less above the floor.
Kitchen
There must be a minimum clear floor space of 120 cm in front of units and worksurfaces.
The base of wall cupboards and shelves should not be more than 120 cm above floor.
At least one worksurface or table should have a clear underspace between 65 - 80 cm high.
The oven should have front controls and base between 65 cm and 80 cm above floor.
The hob should not be more than 80 cm high.
Hob to have clear underspace below or alongside and accessible controls.
The sink should have lever taps and a clear underspace.
Power socket should not be more than 140 cm above floor and unobstructed.
Light switches and door handles should not be more than 140 cm above floor.
Main Entrance
Where there is no ramp, there must be no more than single steps to the entrance of the property.
The main door must have a clear opening of not less than 75 cm.
Interior of Cottage
Doors to the rooms should have a clear opening of not less than 75 cm.
There must be no more than single steps in the corridors or to the rooms the disabled guest will be using.
Bedroom
There must be space alongside at least one side of the bed of not less than 80 cm.
There must be unobstructed space of not less than 110 x 70 cm.
WC
There must be a transfer space to the WC of not less than 80 cm.
There must be a horizontal or angled support rail opposite the transfer space, between 20-30cm above the seat.
The rim of the loo seat must be between 45 - 50 cm above the floor.
If the WC is separate from the bathroom, there must be an clear interior space of not less than 110 x 70 cm and a washbasin with clear underspace.
Bathroom
If there is a bath then there must be space at the side of the bath of not less than 80cm to allow for lateral transfer.
There must be an unobstructed interior space, clear of the door swing, of not less than 100 x 70cm.
Where a shower only is provided, it must have: a level entry, i.e. no rim; a lateral transfer space of not less than 80 cm, and a seat.
The washbasin, either within the bathroom or bedroom, must have sufficient clear underspace and/or level taps to enable it to be used by someone in a wheelchair.
Holiday accommodation requirements for visitors with mobility problems:
Property Entrance
The route from the parking point to the entrance must be free from obstacles and sound.
Interior
Steps to be used by a mobility impaired visitor should have risers no more than 19cm, with treads no less than 75 cm wide and 25 cm deep.
WC
If the WC is separate from the bathroom there must be a washbasin in the same room.
Bathroom
There has to be a wash basin within the bedroom or bathroom.
If you want to advertise your disabled accessible property in Scotland on this site then go to:
