Skip to main content
The new name for DisabledGo

Search for accessible places to go

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

The Inverness Castle Experience - The Link Building

The Castle, Inverness, IV2 3EB

View Accessibility Symbols

Accessibility Symbols

For more information about what these symbols mean, view our Accessibility Symbols Guide.

Close this popup window.

Access Guide

Show Easy Read

Internal Access from The South Tower

  • The Link Building has internal access from the South Tower and external access for visitors not viewing the exhibits.
  • The distance from the South Tower link corridor is 5m.
  • The most accessible route has a slight ramp or slope and manual doors.
  • There is no signage on or near the entrance.
  • There is step-free access via ramp to access the Link Building internally from the South Tower.
  • The ramp has a slight gradient.
  • The ramp is between 75cm and 150cm wide with handrails on both sides.
  • There is a single manual door which opens away from you.
  • The door is easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 100cm.
  • The door has a high visual contrast.

External Entrance

  • 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 handrails on both sides.
  • The ramp bypasses the steps.
  • There are 4 steps with handrails on both sides.
  • The handrails are easy to grip.
  • The handrails cover the flight of stairs throughout its length.
  • The step markings are not clearly visible.
  • The height of the steps is between 15cm and 18cm.
  • The depth of the steps is between 30cm and 45cm.
  • There are double automatic doors at this entrance.
  • The doors open by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 170cm.
  • 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 170cm.
  • 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.

Saltire Bistro

  • Location and Access View
    • Saltire Bistro is located within the Link Building.
    • There is internal access from both the South Tower and North Tower, and external access for visitors not viewing the exhibits.
    • The most accessible route has a slight ramp or slope and automatic doors.
    • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • Service View
    • This area has a counter where food and drink can be ordered, colleagues who can provide assistance with ordering and numerous seating options.
    • 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 service counter 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 and patterned.
    • The walls and floor visual contrast varies between low and high.
    • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests and 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 is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
    • Lighting levels vary due to the size of the space.

West Tower (Spirit of the Highlands)

  • West Tower (Spirit of the Highlands) is an area located off the Saltire Bistro. This area can be used for events and tastings etc.
  • There is no signage on or near the door.
  • There is step-free level access into this area.
  • The width of the opening is 250cm.
  • There is step-free level access throughout the area.
  • 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.
  • Some of the walls have a reflective finish.
  • Seating available in this area includes: chairs with armrests.
  • Furniture available in this area includes: tables.
  • The surface heights are suitable for wheelchair users.
  • The clear underside space of the surfaces is suitable for wheelchair users.
  • There is not a hearing assistance system.
  • There is background noise in this area which varies depending on the function/event.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Toilet with Adaptations (Link Building - Right Hand Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The toilet surveyed is located between the Link Building and the North Tower.
    • The distance from the Link Building/bistro is 8m.
    • 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 low visual contrast.
    • The door is easy to open.
    • The width of the door opening is 97cm.
    • 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 238cm (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 94cm (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 53cm 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 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 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 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 95cm 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 100cm 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 are no coat hooks.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were low at the time of the survey.

Changing Places (Link Building - Both Sides Transfer)

  • Location and Access View
    • The Changing Places facility surveyed is located between the Link Building and the North Tower.
    • The Changing Places toilet is in addition to other toilet facilities.
    • The distance from the Link Building/Bistro is 8m.
    • The most accessible route to the Changing Places facility has step-free level access.
    • There is step-free level access into the facility.
    • There is no 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 112cm.
    • 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.
    • The dimensions of the facility are 350cm (width) x 400cm (depth) and there is room for a wheelchair user to manoeuvre (180cm x 180cm).
  • Toilet Details View
    • There is lateral transfer space on both sides of the toilet.
    • The transfer space on the right as you face the toilet is 82cm.
    • The transfer space on the left as you face the toilet is 135cm.
    • There is a lever flush on the left transfer side.
    • There is no horizontal grab rail for the toilet.
    • There are vertical grab rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The vertical grab rail has a high visual contrast.
    • There are dropdown rails on both sides of the toilet.
    • The dropdown rails have a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet seat is 48cm from the floor.
    • The toilet seat has a high visual contrast.
    • The toilet roll holder is located on the dropdown rail.
  • Changing Bench and Hoist Details View
    • The changing bench is wall mounted and height adjustable.
    • The length of the changing bench is 190cm.
    • The facility hoist is powered overhead and accesses all areas.
  • Shower Details View
    • There is an adjustable shower head which can also be detached.
    • The shower controls are push.
    • There is no shower seat.
  • Other Facilities View
    • There is a height adjustable wash basin.
    • The wash basin has a lever mixer 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.
    • The soap dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The soap dispenser is 115cm from the floor.
    • There are paper towels for drying hands.
    • The towel dispenser has a high visual contrast.
    • The towel dispenser is 100cm from the floor.
    • A wide paper roll dispenser is available.
    • The height of the wide paper roll dispenser is 100cm.
    • 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 within 10cm from the floor.
    • There is a mirror.
    • There is an unobstructed shelf.
    • The shelf meets the AccessAble criteria for Stoma Friendly Toilets.
    • The facility has a waste bin.
    • There are multiple coat hooks.
    • The coat hooks are 108cm and 143cm from the floor.
    • A privacy screen is available.
    • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
    • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Parent and Baby Room / Feeding Room (Link Building)

  • The room surveyed is located near the Link Building/Bistro.
  • The distance from the Link Building/Bistro is 6m.
  • The most accessible route to the room has step-free level access.
  • There is step-free level access into the room.
  • 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 96cm.
  • Internally the door has a high visual contrast.
  • The height of the baby change facility when in use is 88cm.
  • There is a wash basin in the room.
  • The wash basin has a sensor tap.
  • The walls and floor have a high visual contrast.
  • Lighting levels were even at the time of the survey.

Left Hand Side Exit to Outdoor Areas

  • There is step-free level access at the exit.
  • There is a single automatic door at this exit.
  • The door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 122cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is a second single automatic door.
  • The second door opens by sliding.
  • The width of the opening is 118cm.
  • There is a small lip on the threshold of the opening.
  • The second door has a medium visual contrast.
  • There is step-free level access as you exit.

Right Hand Side Exit to Outside Areas

  • There is step-free level access at the exit.
  • There are double manual doors at this exit.
  • The doors open away from you.
  • The doors are easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 145cm.
  • 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 manual doors.
  • The second set of doors opens towards you.
  • The doors are easy to open.
  • The width of the opening is 140cm.
  • 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 exit.

Outdoor Areas

  • The following is available in this area: external areas and seating.
  • Outdoor areas consist of concrete or 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 the majority of areas.
  • The following areas have step-free access via ramps or slopes: the lower levels from both exit doors.
  • There are some seats situated along the paths for people to rest.

Related Access Guides