You are on Introduction. Skip to the next section.

Introduction

• Services / facilities within the building include a ticket office, a shop, a theatre, an exhibition, a café, and toilets.
• Services / facilities within the grounds include the castle, grounds and pontoon.
• Mobility scooters and wheelchairs are available to borrow. Noise cancelling headphones are available to borrow. Please enquire in the shop.

You are on Location. Skip to the next section.

Location

• There is a bus stop within 150m (164yds) of the venue.
• The nearest National Rail station is Inverness.

You are on Opening Hours. Skip to the next section.

Opening Hours

• For information about the opening hours please click here.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

• The venue does have its own car park.

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• Venue Car Park View
  • Parking is free for all users.
  • The car park is located off the A82 south of Drumnadrochit.
  • The car park type is open air/surface.
  • Parking spaces for Blue Badge holders cannot booked in advance.
  • There is/are 6 Blue Badge parking bay(s) within the car park.
  • The dimensions of the Blue Badge parking bay(s) are 240cm x 480cm (7ft 10in x 15ft 9in).
  • The nearest Blue Badge bay is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The furthest Blue Badge bay is 30m (32yd 2ft) from the main entrance.
  • The route from the car park to the entrance is accessible to a wheelchair user unaided.
  • The car park surface is tarmac.
  • There is not a road to cross between the car park and the entrance.
• Comments View
  • There is ramped access from the upper coach park to the main entrance.

You are on Level Change (Coach Park). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Coach Park)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located between the coach parking and the car park.
• The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does have handrails.
• The handrails are on the right going up.

You are on Outside Access (Main Entrance). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Main Entrance)

• This information is for the entrance located at the front of the visitor centre.
• There is level access into the venue.
• The main door(s) open(s) towards you (pull).
• The door(s) is / are double.
• The door(s) is / are permanently held open.
• The width of the door opening is 152cm (4ft 12in).

You are on Reception (Ticket Office). Skip to the next section.

Reception (Ticket Office)

• The desk/counter is 2m (2yd 7in) from the main entrance.
• There is level access to the desk/counter from the entrance.
• The desk/counter is high (110cm+).
• The desk/counter has a low (76cm or lower) section.
• The lighting levels are moderate to good.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• The hearing assistance system is signed.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
• The hearing assistance system was tested on 21/02/2023.
• The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• There is a lift for public use.
• The lift is located straight ahead as you enter.
• The lift is a standard lift.
• The floors which are accessible by this lift are G, -1.
• Wall mounted information boards are provided at lift landings.
• The lift is approximately 5m (5yd 1ft) from the main entrance.
• Staff do not need to be notified for use of the lift.
• The clear door width is 90cm (2ft 11in).
• The dimensions of the lift are 159cm x 138cm (5ft 3in x 4ft 6in).
• There are not separate entry and exit doors in the lift.
• There is a mirror to aid reversing out of the lift.
• The lift does have a visual floor indicator.
• The lift does have an audible announcer.
• The controls for the lift are within 90cm - 120cm from the floor.
• The lift does not have Braille markings.
• The lift does have tactile markings.
• The lighting level in the lift is moderate to good.

You are on Other Floors. Skip to the next section.

Other Floors

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are -1, 0.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.
  • The lighting levels are moderate to good.

You are on Inside Access (Visitor Centre). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (Visitor Centre)

• There is level access to the service(s).
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• This venue does play background music.
• Music is played in the shop and café.
• Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.
• The lighting levels are good.

You are on Counter (Shop). Skip to the next section.

Counter (Shop)

• The counter is 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
• There is level access to the counter from the entrance.
• There is sufficient space to write or sign documents on the counter.
• The height of the counter is 104cm (3ft 5in).
• There is a lowered section.
• The height of the lowered section of the counter is 79cm.
• There is a hearing assistance system.
• The type of system is a fixed loop.
• The hearing assistance system is signed.
• Staff are trained to use the system.
• The hearing assistance system was tested by an AccessAble surveyor.
• The hearing assistance system was tested on 21/03/2023.
• The hearing assistance system was working at the time of testing.
• Lighting levels are good.

You are on Eating and Drinking. Skip to the next section.

Eating and Drinking

• The following information is for the café.
• The café is located on level -1.
• Full table service is not available.
• Food or drinks are ordered from the service counter.
• Food or drinks can be brought to the table.
• There is not a lowered section at the counter.
• No tables are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs are permanently fixed.
• Some chairs have armrests.
• The nearest table is approximately 15m (16yd 1ft) from the lift.
• The distance between the floor and the lowest table is 55cm (1ft 10in).
• The distance between the floor and the highest table is 73cm (2ft 5in).
• The standard height for tables is 73cm.
• There is ample room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre.
• Plastic / takeaway cups are available.
• Plastic / takeaway cutlery is available.
• Drinking straws are available.
• Menus are wall only.
• Menus are not available in Braille.
• Menus are not available in large print.
• Picture menus are not available.
• Menus are clearly written.
• Menus are presented in contrasting colours.
• The type of food served here is hot and cold meals and snacks.

You are on Theatre (Film Theatre). Skip to the next section.

Theatre (Film Theatre)

• There are not designated spaces for wheelchair users.
• Wheelchairs are left with you.
• A companion may sit with you.
• Companions sit next to you.
• It is 15m (16yd 1ft) from the designated seating area to the nearest accessible toilet.
• This venue does not provide audio described performances.
• There is not a hearing assistance system.
• There is a wheelchair to borrow.
• To borrow a wheelchair, please enquire at the ticket office.
• Assistance dogs are allowed in the auditorium.

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• Comments View
  • The film theatre is for showing an introductory film for the castle and lasts 10 minutes. Subtitles are available in 5 languages. Commentary is also available in 6 languages.

You are on Outside Access (Exit to the Castle). Skip to the next section.

Outside Access (Exit to the Castle)

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• Entrance View
  • This information is for the entrance located on level -1 to the rear of the shop.
  • There is step-free access at this entrance.
  • The main door(s) open(s) both ways.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The width of the door opening is 150cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.
  • There is a second set of doors.
  • The door(s) open(s) away from you (push).
  • The door(s) is/are double width.
  • The door(s) may be difficult to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 134cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the entrance, with a height of 2cm or below.

You are on Level Change (Castle Grounds). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Castle Grounds)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located to the right as you exit the visitor centre on level -1.
• The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does have handrails.
• The handrails are on the right going up.
• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located to the left as you exit the Visitor Centre on level -1.
• There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
• There is not tactile paving at the top and bottom of the steps.
• The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
• The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
• There is a/are handrail(s) at the step(s).
• The handrail(s) is/are on both sides.
• The ramp/slope does bypass the step(s).

You are on Parks and Gardens (Castle Grounds). Skip to the next section.

Parks and Gardens (Castle Grounds)

• The park or garden does have footpaths.
• The path(s) has a / have concrete surface(s).
• The majority of the path(s) is / are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• There are steep and slight slopes on the paths.
• There are bench seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

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• Comments View
  • There is a pontoon and access via a slight ramp for Loch Cruise boats. The ramp is 125cm wide and has handrails both sides.

You are on Inside Access (Castle). Skip to the next section.

Inside Access (Castle)

• There is not level access to the service(s).
• Motorised scooters are welcomed in public parts of the venue.

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• Comments View
  • There are some areas within the castle that are inaccessible to a wheelchair user. Info packs are available giving a detailed description of the inaccessible areas.

You are on Other Floors (Castle - Ramparts). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Castle - Ramparts)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on the left going up.
  • There is not a landing.

You are on Other Floors (Tower). Skip to the next section.

Other Floors (Tower)

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• Steps View
  • The floors which are accessible by stairs are G, 1.
  • There are 15+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are not clearly marked.
  • The steps are deep (18cm+).
  • The steps do have handrails.
  • The steps have a handrail on both sides.
  • There is a landing.
• Other View
  • The area(s)/service(s) on the floors which are not accessible is/are the top floor of the tower.
• Comments View
  • This staircase bypasses the original narrow spiral staircase (photograph 4).

You are on Level Change (Castle). Skip to the next section.

Level Change (Castle)

• There is a ramp/slope to access this area/service.
• The ramp/slope is located at ground floor level at entry and within the castle.
• The ramp/slope gradient is slight.
• The ramp/slope is permanent.
• There is a level landing at the top of the ramp/slope.
• The ramp does have handrails.
• The handrails are on both sides.
• There is a/are step(s) to access this area/service.
• The step(s) is/are located throughout the castle to access different levels.
• There is/are 15+ step(s) to the area/service.
• The step(s) is/are not clearly marked.
• The step(s) is/are medium height (11cm - 17cm).
• The ramp/slope does not bypass the step(s).

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• Comments View
  • The staircases vary with and without handrails.

You are on Accessible Toilet (Shop - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Shop - Left Hand Transfer)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • This accessible toilet is located on level -1 to the left as you enter the shop area.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 83cm (2ft 9in).
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 190cm x 209cm (6ft 3in x 6ft 10in).
  • There is sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the left.
  • The lateral transfer space is 123cm (4ft).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is fully functional.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 110cm (3ft 7in).
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
  • The height of the wash basin is 75cm (2ft 6in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located within the accessible toilet cubicle.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 80cm (2ft 7in).

You are on Accessible Toilet (Shop - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Accessible Toilet (Shop - Right Hand Transfer)

• Accessible toilet facilities are available.

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• Location and Access View
  • There is pictorial and written text signage on or near the toilet door.
  • This accessible toilet is approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • This accessible toilet is located on level -1 to the right as you enter the shop area.
  • There is level access to this accessible toilet.
• Features and Dimensions View
  • This is a shared toilet.
  • A key is not required for the accessible toilet.
  • The door opens outwards.
  • The door is locked by a lever twist.
  • The width of the accessible toilet door is 84cm (2ft 9in).
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The dimensions of the accessible toilet are 189cm x 199cm (6ft 2in x 6ft 6in).
  • There is not sufficient turning space in the cubicle for a wheelchair user.
  • There is a lateral transfer space.
  • As you face the toilet pan the transfer space is on the right.
  • The lateral transfer space is 119cm (3ft 11in).
  • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
  • There is a flush on the transfer side.
  • The tap type is lever.
  • There is a mixer tap.
  • There is an emergency alarm.
  • The emergency pull cord alarm is not fully functional.
  • The alarm was out of reach (higher than 10cm (4") from floor) when surveyed.
  • Disposal facilities are available in the cubicle.
  • There is a/are sanitary, non-infectious waste and open waste paper bin disposal units.
  • There is not a/are not coat hook(s).
• Position of Fixtures View
  • Wall mounted grab rails are available for the toilet.
  • As you face the toilet the wall-mounted grab rails are on both sides.
  • There is not a shelf within the accessible toilet.
  • There is a mirror.
  • Mirrors are not placed at a lower level or at an angle for ease of use.
  • The height of the toilet seat above floor level is 48cm (1ft 7in).
  • There is a hand dryer.
  • The hand dryer cannot be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The hand dryer is placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • The height of the hand dryer is 111cm (3ft 8in).
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is a toilet roll holder.
  • The toilet roll holder can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The toilet roll holder is not placed higher than 100cm (3ft 3in).
  • There is a wash basin.
  • The wash basin can be reached from seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is not placed higher than 74cm (2ft 5in).
• Colour Contrast and Lighting View
  • The contrast between the external door and wall is good.
  • There is a high colour contrast between the internal door and wall.
  • The contrast between the wall-mounted grab rail(s) and wall is good.
  • There is a good colour contrast between the dropdown rail(s) and wall.
  • The contrast between the walls and floor is good.
  • The lighting levels are good.
• Baby Change Facilities View
  • Baby change facilities are located within the venue.
  • Baby change facilities are located in the accessible toilet cubicle.
  • The height of the baby change table once extended is 83cm (2ft 9in).

You are on Standard Toilet(s) (Shop). Skip to the next section.

Standard Toilet(s) (Shop)

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• Availability and Location of Standard Toilets View
  • Standard toilet facilities are available.
• Access to Standard Female Toilet(s) View
  • The female toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the left as you enter.
  • The female toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the female toilet(s).
  • This is by lift.
  • An ambulant toilet cubicle with wall mounted grab rails is available.
• Access to Standard Male Toilet(s) View
  • The male toilet facilities that were surveyed are located to the right as you enter.
  • The male toilet(s) is/are approximately 10m (10yd 2ft) from the lift.
  • Inside the venue, there is level access to the male toilet(s).
  • This is by lift.
  • Lighting levels in the male toilets are moderate to good.

You are on Additional Info. Skip to the next section.

Additional Info

• Documents are not available in Braille.
• Documents can be requested in large print.
• A bowl of water can be provided for an assistance dog.
• A member of staff trained in BSL skills is not normally on duty.
• This service can be requested.

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• Comments View
  • There are wheelchairs and motorised scooters to borrow.
  • The wheelchairs and scooters are located on the lower ground floor, but may be delivered to the car park / coach park / pontoon.
  • Please enquire at the shop.