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The Inverness Castle Experience - North Tower

The Castle, Inverness, IV2 3EB

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Access Guide

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Access To North Tower from the Link Building

  • The North Tower has internal access from the Link Building, and external access for visitors not viewing the exhibits.
  • The distance from the entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route has step-free level access, manual doors, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the lower floor.

External Entrance - East Side

  • This entrance is located on the east side of the castle.
  • There is not a canopy or recess which provides weather protection at the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the entrance.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with no handrails.
  • There is a single manual door at this entrance.
  • The door opens towards you.
  • The width of the opening is 120cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Getting Around

  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • Access throughout may include automatic doors and narrow walkways.
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
  • There is background noise in some areas of the venue.
  • Wayfinding signage is provided.
  • Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
  • The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
  • Some exhibits have sound and lighting effects and reflective walls. Some exhibits have exhibits with narrow openings and walkways.
    There are push buttons for automatic doors throughout the venue at a height of 95cm.

Shop Entrance

  • This entrance is located ahead, when entering via the Link Building.
  • The approach to the entrance has uneven surfaces.
  • The entrance area is clearly signed.
  • There is step-free level access at the entrance.
  • There is a single automatic door at this entrance.
  • The door opens away from you.
  • There is a push pad at a height of 95cm.
  • The width of the opening is 88cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a low visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you enter.

Gift Shop

  • Getting Around View
    • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
    • The majority of main aisle widths are between 120cm - 150cm.
    • The visual contrast between the shelving and floor varies between low and high.
    • There may be background noise.
    • 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.
    • The venue has a payment counter.
  • Payment Counter View
    • The counter surveyed was located ahead after entering.
    • The height of the payment counter is 95cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 80cm.
    • The card payment machine is portable.
    • There is a clearly signed fixed hearing assistance system.
    • The hearing assistance system could not be tested at the time of the survey.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Lift

  • The lift surveyed is located to the right of the gift shop.
  • The distance from the gift shop is 8m.
  • The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
  • The ground, first and second floors 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).
  • 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 90cm.
  • The internal dimensions of the lift are 110cm (width) x 200cm (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 mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
  • Lighting levels are adjustable.

Stairs

  • The stairs surveyed are located to the east side of the castle.
  • There is a single manual door to access the stairwell.
  • The ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
  • There are 20+ steps between floors.
  • The steps are clearly marked and have a handrail on the right going up.
  • The handrail is easy to grip.
  • The handrail does not cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The handrail does not extend horizontally beyond the first and last step.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

North Tower Bar

  • Location and Access View
    • The North Tower Bar is located on the first floor.
    • The most accessible route has step-free level access, a lift and manual doors.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
    • There are double manual doors with a low visual contrast.
    • The doors open away from you.
    • The doors require effort to open.
    • The width of the opening is 125cm.
  • Service View
    • This area has a bar where food and drink can be ordered.
    • Full table service is available.
    • Menus are handheld.
    • The following dietary requirements can be catered for: gluten free, dairy free, lactose free, nut allergy, vegetarian and vegan.
    • The following are available: drinking straws and takeaway cups.
    • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • Order and Payment View
    • The bar was surveyed.
    • The counter is located at the side of the room.
    • There is step-free level access to the counter.
    • The height of the counter is 110cm.
    • There is a lowered section at the counter.
    • The height of the lowered section is 76cm.
  • 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.
    • Some flooring is shiny.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and sofas.
    • Furniture available in this area includes: tables and coffee tables.
    • Some chairs are fixed.
    • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
    • There is an alternative entrance to this room, which is a single, manual door.
    • The opening width of the alternative entrance is 88cm.

Toilet with Adaptations (North Tower - Left Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor of the North Tower, opposite the bar.
    • The distance from the lift is 6m.
    • The most accessible route to the toilet has step-free level access.
    • 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 high visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 96cm.
    • The door has a lever twist lock.
    • Internally the door has a high 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 184cm (width) x 205cm (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 93cm (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 medium visual contrast.
    • There is a vertical grab rail on the transfer side.
    • The vertical grab rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • There is a dropdown rail on the transfer side.
    • The dropdown rail has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 52cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a medium visual contrast.
    • The toilet has a padded backrest.
    • 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 97cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
    • The wash basin is 76cm from the floor.
    • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
    • 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 96cm from the floor.
    • There is not a towel dispenser.
    • There is a wall mounted hand dryer.
    • The hand dryer has a medium visual contrast.
    • The hand dryer is 98cm from the floor.
    • There is a pull cord emergency alarm within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a full length mirror.
    • There is a shelf, however there is an obstruction in front of it.
    • The shelf does not meet the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The cubicle has a waste bin.
    • There is one coat hook.
    • The coat hook is 155cm from the floor.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Ceilidh Rooms Exhibits

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • The following may be experienced here: sudden loud noises, 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, BSL and subtitles.
  • Seating available in this area includes: armchairs.
  • The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.

North Tower Gallery

  • All exhibits are indoors.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the elevated gallery areas.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors and doors permanently held open.
  • There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (150cm x 150cm).
  • Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
  • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
  • The following may be experienced here: lighting effects.
  • There is no (or very little) background noise.
  • Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
  • Display information includes: tactile, pictorial, information boards, televisions/screens and interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
  • Seating available in this area includes: benches.

North Tower Terrace

  • The following is available in this area: gardens.
  • Additional facilities in this area include: viewing areas.
  • Outdoor areas consist of rubber tarmac and paving slabs.
  • There are footpaths throughout.
  • The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
  • There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
  • There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

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