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Overview

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• About View
  • The Inverness Castle Experience is a visitor attraction in the centre of Inverness, celebrating the 'Spirit of the Highlands' through its stories of past, present and future.
  • Facilities available in the venue include: accessible and standard toilets, restaurant, bars, exhibits, gardens and terraces.
• Parking and Public Transport View
  • The venue has its own car park, with Blue Badge parking available.
  • There is a public car park nearby.
  • The nearest train station is Inverness.
  • The nearest bus station is Inverness.
  • For the latest travel options and information you can plan your travel using Google Maps (opens new tab).
• Getting In and Around View
  • There is step-free access via ramp at the most accessible entrance.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: main entrance to South Tower, Link Building (internal and external), gardens and some North Tower exhibits.
  • The following areas have stepped access: Flag Pole Tower.
  • Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
  • The ground, first and second floors can be accessed via a standard lift.
• Getting Help and Assistance View
  • There is seating available.
  • You can borrow or hire the following equipment: a manual wheelchair.
  • Documents are available in the following formats: different languages and audio.
  • Visitors are issued with audio guides.
  • These audio guides are hearing aid compatible.
  • Some exhibits have BSL and subtitled videos.
  • There is a water bowl available for assistance dogs.
  • There is not a designated assistance dog spending area.
  • Additional facilities/services include: Wi-Fi.
  • Staff receive the following training: Disability Awareness and Inclusion Training.
• Related Access Guides View
  • View information on North Tower (opens new tab).
  • View information on Link Building (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 4 toilets with adaptations.
  • Toilets with adaptations are located in the North Tower, the South Tower and near the Link Building.
  • The transfer space varies between left and right in the toilets with adaptations.
  • Ambulant toilet facilities are located in the male and female toilets in The South Tower and North Tower.
  • The male and female step-free standard toilet facilities are located in the North Tower, the South Tower and near the Link Building.
• Changing Places and Changing Facilities View
  • The Changing Places toilet facilities are located near the Link Building.
  • Parent and baby changing facilities are located near the Link Building.

You are on Parking. Skip to the next section.

Parking

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• Car Park View
  • The car park is located on the castle site, accessed via the Esplanade Gardens.
  • The car park is open air/surface.
  • The car park surface consists of tarmac.
  • There are 6 designated Blue Badge parking bays available.
  • The Blue Badge bays are clearly marked and signposted.
  • The surveyed Blue Badge parking bay dimensions are 260cm (width) x 500cm (depth).
  • There are no hatched/marked zones.
  • The dimensions of the designated Blue Badge parking bays vary in size.
  • The nearest designated bay is 40m from the entrance to the South Tower.
  • The most accessible route from the Blue Badge parking has slight ramps or slopes.
  • There are two separate areas for Blue Badge holders. Due to the limited number of Blue Badge parking spaces, these should be reserved in advance. .
• Charges and Restrictions View
  • This car park is for Blue Badge holders only.
  • Parking is free for Blue Badge holders.
• Drop-off Point View
  • There is not a designated drop-off point available.
• Public Car Parks View
  • There is a public car park located on Castle Street.
  • The name of the car park is Castle Street Town House Car Park.
  • Designated Blue Badge parking bays are available in the car park.

You are on Gardens. Skip to the next section.

Gardens

• The following is available in this area: formal gardens.
• Outdoor areas consist of concrete or tarmac, bonded gravel and paving slabs.
• There are footpaths throughout.
• The majority of the paths are wide enough for wheelchair users.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the castle and all entrances from this area.
• There are seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

You are on South Tower Main Entrance. Skip to the next section.

South Tower Main Entrance

• This entrance is located at the top of the ramp and stairs for South Tower.
• The entrance area is not clearly signed.
• There is 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.
• The ramp bypasses the steps.
• There are 18 steps with handrails on both sides.
• The handrails are easy to grip.
• The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
• The steps have some clear markings.
• The steps have tactile markings at the top.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is not between 30cm and 45cm.
• There are double manual doors at this entrance.
• The doors are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 160cm.
• 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 open by sliding.
• The width of the opening is 145cm.
• There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
• The second set of doors have a low visual contrast.
• There is a third set of doors upon entering. These doors are automatic and have an opening width of 165cm.
• There is step-free level access as you enter.
• Most visitors will enter the castle grounds via the Esplanade Gardens. The alternative route to the castle is via Castle Wynd and has steps and steep slopes.

You are on South Tower Foyer and Audio Guide Counter. Skip to the next section.

South Tower Foyer and Audio Guide Counter

• The counter is located located to the left, after entering.
• The distance from the entrance is 5m.
• There is step-free level access to the counter.
• The height of the counter is 81cm.
• There is a portable hearing assistance system on request.
• All visitors are issued with audio guides at this point.
• The audio devices are hearing aid compatible.
• Staff are present to assist visitors.
• There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the time of day.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.
• There is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre in the seating area (150cm x 150cm).
• There is space for an assistance dog to rest in the seating area.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.

You are on Getting Around. Skip to the next section.

Getting Around

• There is step-free level access throughout the majority of areas, this may include the use of a lift.
• The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the main entrance, the access route from the entrance to the lift, the toilets and some exhibits.
• The following areas have stepped access: Flag Pole Tower.
• Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic doors, narrow walkways and narrow openings.
• Some flooring is shiny and patterned.
• The visual contrast between the walls and floor varies between low and high.
• Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
• There is background noise.
• Wayfinding signage is provided.
• Signage is clearly visible with high contrasting colours.
• The colour, design and typeface of signs is consistent throughout.
• Seating available in the walkways includes: benches and stools.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• Some exhibits have reflective walls, sound and lighting effects and narrow openings and walkways.
  There are push buttons for automatic doors throughout the venue at a height of 95cm.

You are on Access To Lift and Exhibits. Skip to the next section.

Access To Lift and Exhibits

• This is the ramped access to the lift, toilets and exhibits.
• The distance from the entrance to this ramp is 6m.
• The most accessible route has a slight ramp or slope and doors permanently held open.
• The ramp has a slight gradient.
• The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
• There is no signage on or near the entrance.
• There is step-free level access from this point forwards.
• There are double manual doors which are permanently held open.
• The width of the opening is 88cm.
• The doors has a low visual contrast.

You are on Lift. Skip to the next section.

Lift

• The lift surveyed is located to the right side, after entering the venue.
• The distance from the entrance is 15m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has a slight ramp or slope, manual doors, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• The ground, first and second floors 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 90cm.
• 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 mirror to aid reversing, a visual floor indicator and an audible announcer.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

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

Main Staircase

• The stairs surveyed are located ahead, after entering.
• The ground, first and second floors can be accessed by these stairs.
• There are 20+ steps between floors.
• The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
• The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
• The steps are unmarked and have a wall mounted handrail from the mid-landing of the staircase.
• 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.
• Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey, with unshaded light sources.

You are on Great Glen Roof Terrace Platform Lift. Skip to the next section.

Great Glen Roof Terrace Platform Lift

• The lift surveyed is located on the second floor.
• This lift is a platform lift.
• The distance from the lift is 12m.
• The most accessible route to the lift has step-free level access and manual doors.
• The Great Glen Roof Terrace and Flag Pole Tower are accessed by this lift.
• The lift does not have a level manoeuvring space in front of it for a wheelchair user (150cm x 150cm).
• The external lift control buttons have tactile markings.
• 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 100cm (width) x 150cm (depth).
• The internal lift control buttons have tactile markings and a medium visual contrast.
• All of the internal lift controls are at a suitable height for a wheelchair user.
• The button needs to be pressed constantly when in use.
• Internally the lift has: a separate door to exit.

You are on Story and Landscape. Skip to the next section.

Story and Landscape

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• 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 walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
• The following may be experienced here: strobe or flashing lights, flash photography, sudden loud noises, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the use of large glazed walls.
• Display information includes: pictorial, audio guides, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, multi-language audio, BSL and subtitles.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users .
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• Some doors are on timers, which will open automatically.
• There are staff present at all times.

You are on Gathering. Skip to the next section.

Gathering

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open, automatic 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: strobe or flashing lights, flash photography, sudden loud noises, lighting effects, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: pictorial, audio guides, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, multi-language audio, BSL and subtitles.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users .
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• The Gaelic Psalm singing area is accessed by a narrow walkway that may not be suitable for wheelchairs.

You are on Heritage and People. Skip to the next section.

Heritage and People

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include manual doors, doors permanently held open and automatic doors.
• 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: strobe or flashing lights, sudden loud noises, lighting effects, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: pictorial, audio guides, information boards, touchscreens, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, a mobile app, multi-language audio and BSL.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches and stools.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users .
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.

You are on Spirit. Skip to the next section.

Spirit

• All exhibits are indoors.
• There is step-free level access throughout all areas.
• Access throughout may include automatic doors.
• 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: strobe or flashing lights, flash photography, lighting effects, 3D visual effects on screen and interactive video effects.
• There is background noise.
• Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.
• Display information includes: audio guides, televisions/screens, interactive exhibits at a suitable height for a wheelchair user, a mobile app and multi-language audio.
• Seating available in this area includes: benches.
• The seating is fixed.
• There are shows/talks with no designated seating for wheelchair users .
• The tour is self-guided but volunteers/staff are available to provide additional information.
• Some doors are on timers, which will open automatically. There are staff present at all times.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (Ground Floor - Right Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the ground floor of the South Tower.
  • The distance from the entrance is 20m.
  • The most accessible route to the toilet has a slight ramp or slope.
  • 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 width of the door opening is 96cm.
  • The door has a lever twist lock.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • There is not a grab rail on the internal door.
• Dimensions and Features View
  • The dimensions of the cubicle are 190cm (width) x 250cm (depth) and there is 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 85cm (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 not a toilet roll holder.
  • 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 medium visual contrast.
  • There is not a soap dispenser.
  • 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 100cm from the floor.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is a full length mirror.
  • There is no shelf.
  • The cubicle has a waste bin.
  • There are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

You are on Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer). Skip to the next section.

Toilet with Adaptations (First Floor - Left Hand Transfer)

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• Location and Access View
  • The toilet surveyed is located on the first floor of the South Tower.
  • The distance from the lift is 4m.
  • 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 high visual contrast.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the door opening is 82cm.
  • 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 258cm (width) x 310cm (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 160cm (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 94cm from the floor.
  • The wash basin and taps can be reached when seated on the toilet.
  • The wash basin is 75cm 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 medium visual contrast.
  • There is not a soap dispenser.
  • There is not a towel dispenser.
  • There is not a hand dryer.
  • There is a pull cord emergency alarm, however it is not within 10cm from the floor.
  • There is no 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 are no coat hooks.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.