You are on Overview. Skip to the next section.

Overview

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• About View
  • Located on the corner of Chambers Street and George IV Bridge, this modern sandstone structure was opened in 1998 and is part of the National Museum of Scotland.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: exhibitions spaces, book shop, cafe, inside picnic and seating areas, educational facilities, standard and accessible toilets.
  • View information on opening times.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue does not have its own car park.
  • There is on-street Blue Badge Bay parking, on-street standard parking, a public car park nearby and a taxi rank.
  • The name of the nearest car park is NCP Castle Terrace Car Park: EH1 2EW (Approx. 10–15 min walk).
  • View information on NCP Car Parks (opens new tab) .
  • The nearest train station is Edinburgh Waverley.
  • The nearest bus station is on Chambers Street (Bus Stop).
  • The nearest tram stop is Princes Street.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
  • View information on getting here (opens new tab) .
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free level access at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have stepped access: some museum exhibits.
  • Access throughout may include uneven surfaces, manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow aisles.
  • All levels of the Tower can be accessed via a standard lift, a platform lift and stairs.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair and walking aids.
  • Additional equipment which can be borrowed or hired includes: ear defenders (adult sized), sensory and visual maps, communication cards and kids' sensory backpacks containing: ear defenders, sunglasses, fidget toys, torches, etc.
  • Documents are available in the following formats: large print, different languages and audio.
  • There is a buggy park for pushchairs on level 1 near to the rear of the Kingdom of the Scots exhibit.
  • There are regular quiet opening times.
  • Relaxed events are also held for certain exhibitions.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Facilities/services include: an ATM machine and Wi-Fi.
  • Staff receive the following training: Hidden Disabilities, Equality Diversity and Inclusion Training.
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on National Museum of Scotland - Main Guide, Entrance and Level 0 (opens new tab).
  • View information on National Museum of Scotland - Toilets and Changing Facilities (opens new tab).

You are on Toilet and Changing Facilities. Skip to the next section.

Toilet and Changing Facilities

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• Toilet Facilities View
  • There are 10+ toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located throughout the museum on levels 0, 1, 3 and 5.
  • There are further toilets with adaptations in the learning and event spaces, and in the Tower on levels -1, 1, 2, 3.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located throughout the museum on levels 0, 1 and 3.
  • There are further male and female step-free standard toilet facilities in the learning and event spaces, and in the Tower on levels -1, 1, 2, 3.
  • Some of the toilet facilities are gender neutral and shared.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located on level 0, near the ticket counter.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located throughout the museum on levels 0, 1, 3 and 5.
  • There are further toilets with adaptations in the learning and event spaces and in the Tower on levels -1, 1, 2, 3.

You are on Tower Entrance - External. Skip to the next section.

Tower Entrance - External

• This entrance is located on Chambers Street.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
• There is step-free access via slope at the entrance.
• The slope has a slight gradient.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 108cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is a second set of double automatic doors.
• The second set of doors opens by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 108cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The second set of doors have a medium visual contrast.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Information Desk. Skip to the next section.

Information Desk

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• Ticket Counter View
  • The ticket counter surveyed is located to the left side after entering.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 87cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
  • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.

You are on Tower Entrance - Internal. Skip to the next section.

Tower Entrance - Internal

• This entrance is located past the ticket and information counter.
• The entrance area is clearly signed.
• There is step-free level access at the entrance.
• There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
• The doors opens towards you.
• The width of the opening is 175cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a push pad or push button to exit at a height of 80cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.

You are on Book and Gift Shop. Skip to the next section.

Book and Gift Shop

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• Getting Around View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the bookshop from the Tower entrance.
  • There is step-free level entrance if arriving internally, via the main museum or cafe.
  • Access throughout may include narrow walkways.
  • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
  • There is a high visual contrast between the shelving and floor in the majority of walkways.
  • There is background noise which varies depending on the time of day.
  • Signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• Payment Counter View
  • The counter surveyed was surveyed, in the centre of the shop.
  • Signage is provided for the counter.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The payment counter has patterned/distracting backgrounds.
  • The height of the payment counter is 110cm.
  • There is a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the lowered section is 65cm.
  • The card payment machine is portable.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Hawthornden Café. Skip to the next section.

Hawthornden Café

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• Location and Access View
  • Hawthornden Café is located on level 1 of the Tower.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
• Service View
  • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered and a self service counter.
  • Full table service is available on request only.
  • Menus are wall-mounted, available on a board and displayed on the counter.
  • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, vegetarian and vegan.
  • The following are available: drinking straws.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Order and Payment View
  • The service counter was surveyed.
  • The counter is located to the right side of the cafe.
  • There is step-free level access to the counter.
  • The height of the counter is 86cm.
  • There is not a lowered section at the counter.
  • The height of the tray rail is 83cm.
• Seating Area View
  • There is step-free level access throughout the seating area.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is space for an assistance dog to rest.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface height of the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear height under the tables is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There may be background noise in this area.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

You are on Main Lift. Skip to the next section.

Main Lift

• The lift surveyed is located to the left hand side as you enter, beyond the shop.
• The distance from the Tower entrance is 40m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp or slope, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• Levels -1, 1, 3 and 5 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings and a low visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 215cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 270cm (width) x 155cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a medium visual contrast.
• Internally the lift has: a hearing assistance alarm system, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.
• There is a smaller lift to the right hand side of the main lift, which accesses the same levels.
• The door width of the smaller lift is 110cm.
• The floor measurements are 230cm wide x 170cm deep.

You are on Lift - Tower (Right Hand Side). Skip to the next section.

Lift - Tower (Right Hand Side)

• The lift surveyed is located to the right as you enter the Tower.
• The distance from the Tower entrance is 15m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• Levels -1, 1, 2, 3 and 5 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a low visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 79cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

You are on Lift - Terrace. Skip to the next section.

Lift - Terrace

• The lift surveyed is located to the rear left of the Tower.
• The distance from the Tower entrance is 80m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, a lift, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• Levels -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a medium visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 120cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 215cm (width) x 180cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings, Braille markings and a medium visual contrast.
• The majority of the internal controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit, a mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator, an audible announcer and a list of floor services/facilities.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.
• There are other lifts available at this location which vary in size.

You are on Stairs throughout the Tower. Skip to the next section.

Stairs throughout the Tower

• The stairs surveyed are located throughout the Tower exhibition.
• Levels -1, 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 (roof terrace) can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps have some clear markings and have handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The height of the highest step is 17cm.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• One spiral staircase runs from level -1, 0, 1, 2, 3 to level 4 of the Tower.
• There are further spiral staircases throughout the exhibition spaces, and leading up to the roof terrace.
• Straight and L shaped staircases run between floors and exhibits.
• Multiple lifts are available to reach all areas of the Tower.

You are on Level -1 - Beginnings and Early People. Skip to the next section.

Level -1 - Beginnings and Early People

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise in some areas.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The chairs are fixed.

You are on Platform Lift - Beginnings and Early People. Skip to the next section.

Platform Lift - Beginnings and Early People

• The lift surveyed is located between the Beginnings and Early People Galleries on Level -1.
• This lift is a platform lift.
• The distance from the main lifts is 10m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access, a lift, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• The Beginnings and Early Peoples exhibits are accessed by this lift.
• The lift door has a high visual contrast.
• The lift has a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• All of the external lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift door opening width is 82cm.
• The internal dimensions of the lift are 96cm (width) x 165cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have a medium visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The lift is slow moving and the button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
• Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Tower - Level -1 - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Tower - Level -1 - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the lower floor next to the lift, to the front right of the Tower.
  • The distance from the Tower lift is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 160cm (width) x 131cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 110cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a medium visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 90cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 73cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • There are no vertical grab rails at the wash basin.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a medium visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 100cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 173cm from the floor.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Level 1 - Kingdom of the Scots. Skip to the next section.

Level 1 - Kingdom of the Scots

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects.
• There is background noise in some areas.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The chairs are fixed.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Tower - Level 1 - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Tower - Level 1 - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located in the Tower on level 1.
  • The distance from the Tower entrance is 16m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has slight ramps or slopes, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
  • The door has a twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 227cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 80cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a wall sensor flush on the wall above the cistern.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 87cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 74cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 105cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There is one coat hook.
  • The coat hook is 100cm from the floor.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 76cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Level 2 - Kingdom of the Scots. Skip to the next section.

Level 2 - Kingdom of the Scots

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects.
• There is background noise in some areas.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The chairs are fixed.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Tower - Level 2 - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Tower - Level 2 - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located next to the Tower lift.
  • The distance from the Tower lift is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • The door opens outwards and has a medium visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 80cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 150cm (width) x 225cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the left as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 82cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 88cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 71cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a low visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 90cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 102cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a nappy/incontinence items bin and a sanitary bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 80cm.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Level 3 - Scotland Transformed. Skip to the next section.

Level 3 - Scotland Transformed

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects and interactive video effects.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio description, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and benches.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Tower - Level 3 - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Tower - Level 3 - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on level 3 of the Tower, across from the Tower lift.
  • The distance from the Tower lift is 5m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access and a lift.
  • There is step-free level access into the facility.
  • There is pictorial signage on or near the door.
  • The door opens outwards and has a low visual contrast.
  • The door requires effort to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 86cm.
  • The door has a sliding bolt lock.
  • Internally the door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a grab rail on the internal door with a high visual contrast.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 152cm (width) x 180cm (depth) and there is not room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • There is a lateral transfer space to the right as you face the toilet.
  • The lateral transfer space is 83cm (from the side of the toilet pan).
  • There is a push button flush on the wall above the cistern.
  • There is a horizontal grab rail on the non-transfer side.
  • The horizontal grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
  • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • The dropdown rail has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet seat is 45cm from the floor.
  • The toilet seat has a low visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted toilet roll holder which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder has a high visual contrast.
  • The toilet roll holder is 86cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 72cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • The vertical grab rails are on both sides of the wash basin.
  • The wash basin grab rails have a high visual contrast.
  • There is a wall mounted soap dispenser which can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
  • The soap dispenser is 92cm from the floor.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer has a high visual contrast.
  • The hand dryer is 90cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a sanitary bin.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Level 4 - Industry and Empire. Skip to the next section.

Level 4 - Industry and Empire

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is patterned.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs without armrests and benches.
• The chairs are fixed.

You are on Level 5 - Industry and Empire. Skip to the next section.

Level 5 - Industry and Empire

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects.
• There may be background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
• The chairs are fixed.

You are on Roof Terrace Stairs. Skip to the next section.

Roof Terrace Stairs

• The stairs surveyed are located leading from level 5 to the roof terrace.
• There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
• the roof terrace can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The steps are clearly marked and have handrails on both sides.
• The step has tactile markings.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The handrails do not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps have open risers.
• There is one external door to reach the spiral staircase.
• There is a straight staircase down from the roof terrace.
• There is a lift to reach the roof terrace.

You are on Level 6 - Scotland: A Changing Nation. Skip to the next section.

Level 6 - Scotland: A Changing Nation

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• Access throughout may include doors permanently held open, automatic doors and narrow walkways.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• Some flooring is shiny.
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: lighting effects and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, audio guides, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user and subtitles.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and benches.
• The chairs are fixed.

You are on Level 7 - Roof Terrace. Skip to the next section.

Level 7 - Roof Terrace

• The roof terrace is located on level 7.
• There is no signage on or near the door.
• There is step-free level access via lift into this area.
• Facilities available in this area include: viewing points.
• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
• Access throughout the area may include doors permanently held open.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
• The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The chairs are fixed.
• There may be background noise in this area.

You are on Related Access Guides. Skip to the next section.

Related Access Guides

• View information on National Museum of Scotland - Main Guide, Entrance and Level 0 (opens new tab) .