Islay Accessible Disabled and Action Endeavours

An access guide for people with disabilities to the facilities available on the Isle of Islay Accessible Islay Page 2

About Us: Contents:

Page:

About this guide: 3

Key to Symbols: 4 Islay Disabled Endeavours and Action. Access Guide: IDEA provide a range of Support Information and maps: 5 Services for adults with disabilities, learning difficulties or mental health Distilleries: 6 issues living in Islay and Jura. Places of interest/historical: 7

We aim to combat isolation through Arts and Crafts: 8 inclusion and accessibility for all and Retail shops: 10 focus on promoting independence by Leisure activities, nature developing and maintaining skills. and the great outdoors: 14 Our Members choose from a diverse Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants: 16 range of activities and support which Banking and Financial: 19 include; access to education, training Village Halls and public toilets 21 and employment; the creative arts, IT, horticulture, interpersonal and Other services 22 lifeskills as well keywork, advocacy and Jura 23 personal planning. Accessible Islay Page 3

About this Guide:

What is it? This is a guide outlining the accessibility features and facilities available in places of interest, shops, bars and cafes on the Isles of Islay and Jura.

What it is not: This guide does not provide information about accommodation on the Islands. If you require information about accessible accommodation please contact Tourist Information or the individual Hotels listed. (Please also be aware of IDEAs Accessible Short Breaks and Holiday House. 01496 810 963)

Why it was developed?: From our own experience of going on holiday with people with a various needs, we found the more information we had the better and a guide which laid out all the information in an easy to read format was invaluable. This inspired us to create one for our own area to benefit not only visitors to our beautiful Isle but also local people who would like to make the most of living here.

Who are we?: IDEAs are a small organisation with charitable status who provide a range of support and services for people with disabilities, learning difficulties or mental health problems living in Islay or Jura.

How did we do it?: The guide was compiled by staff and Members at IDEAs with financial assistance from the MacRobert Trust. Grateful thanks to Second Year pupils at Islay High School who assisted with some of the research. As we are a not for profit organisation, there may be a small cover charge to cover the cost of updating and continued production of the guide.

We would like to keep this document up to date and so welcome any feedback. If you feel any of the information is incorrect or if you have suggestions or comments then we would like to hear from you. Please write to: IDEAs, Kilarrow House, , Isle of Islay, PA42 7AU Email: [email protected] Telephone: 01496 810 963 Accessible Islay Key to Symbols Page 4

Arrival and Entrances. Getting Around

Disabled Parking Available Accessible to unassisted wheelchair users

Street parking outside Accessible to wheelchair users with assistance

Level Entrance Accessible to people with limited mobility

Ramped Entrance Internal ramp

Number of steps to entrance Internal steps

Facilities Facilities for people with a hearing impairment.

Accessible toilet with adaptations Facilities for people with a visual impairment. Inside Story Headline

Toilet is level but with no adaptations.

Accessible Restaurant/café

Accessible gift shop Accessible Islay MAPS Page 5

Bowmore

Information Name of Venue Parking and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes Tourist Information Park at rear. Low counter and dis- Morrison Court plays. Friendly staff. 01496 810 254

IDEAs This is where we are based, please Resource Centre, feel free to pop in and meet us. Kilarrow, Bowmore 01496 810 963 Accessible Islay Page 6

Distilleries Name of Venue Parking and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes Not all parts of the tour are accessible or suitable for people with limited mobil- 01496 302 244 ity.

Bowmore Distillery All parts of the tour are accessi- ble (except Malt barn). 01496 810 441

Bruichladdich Not all parts of the tour are accessible Distillery (Bottling Hall and millhouse only). Coo- perage and warehouse opened on request. 01496 850 221 No part of tour is accessible. Shop is up- Distillery stairs. Visitor Centre on ground floor and drams can be brought down from shop. 01496 840 646 No part of the tour is accessible or suit- able for people with limited mobility.

01496 302 760

Lagavulin Distillery Visitor Centre accessible. No parts of the tour are accessible or suitable for people 01496 302 400 with limited mobility.

Laphroaig Distillery Visitor Centre accessible. No parts of the tour are accessible of suitable for people 01496 302 418 with limited mobility. Accessible Islay Page 7

Kilchoman Distillery, Access to Malt Floor and lower part of Shop and restaurant. Still Room only. Guides will talk through the process with visitors. 01496 850 011 Places of interest / historical Name of Venue Parking and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes

Finlaggan, Seat of the Reception Centre accessible. Lord of the Isles: 01496 840 644 Islay House Square Entry via Islay House (At Bridgend Walled Garden take Pt Charlotte road, immediate Bridgend right through white gate, first right in wood. Park at Gate). Solid pathways on lower level and shop) and Grass and some uneven ground. chapel Cross located very near entrance Kildalton gate. Manageable.

Kilnave cross and Drive down to graveyard. Grass chapel and some rough ground. Cross lo- Ardnave cated near entrance gate. Museum of Islay Good space (NB some displays are tightly arranged). All accessible Life, Port Char- except library (two steps up) lotte 01496 850 358 The Round Church, Entry through side door. (Opens Bowmore from inside so assistance re- quired) Accessible Islay Page 8

Arts and Crafts —Islay House Square Name of Venue Parking and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes

Islay House Ground is generally level A collection of small shops with Square, Bridgend but covered in loose communal parking space. Just park

gravel. in front of your preferred shop.

Islay cards and Large lip at entrance gifts 01496 810 100

Islay Ales Brewery All area flat level. Chair available 01496 810 014 on request

Liz Sykes Batiks High lip at entrance. Double doors 01496 810 147 opened on request. Flat level, low level ( displays. Seating/coffee area.

Making Away All area flat level.

Quilters No wheelchair access

large steps

Sue Wood Glass & Downstairs shop space open and Islay Chocolate Co flat. Chocolate shops upstairs —

01496 302535 Will bring samples down!

Blue Lupins Gardens Shop small and tightly packed. 2 large steps to garden and pet area. Seating area outside accessible for coffees etc. Accessible Islay Page 9

Arts and Crafts Name of Venue Parking and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes

Craft Shop Small shop so space limited. Staff Main St, Bowmore friendly and willing to help. 01496 810262

Islay Woollen Mill Shop and lower mill area flat level. Bridgend Tight turning space/doorway to 01496 810563 mill area. Stairs to upper mill area . Islay Studios Studio area open and flat. Small Bruichladdich lip down to framing area. Staff 01496 850 098 friendly and willing to help.

Persabus Pottery Small shop so space is tight. 01496 840753

Spirited Soaps, Narrow doorway. Main St, Bowmore

Tormisdale croft Low step at entrance , another crafts, Port Char- into workshop ,2 down into shop. lotte 01496 860239 Tight space. Accessible Islay Page 10

Retail shops : Bowmore Name of Venue Parking and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes

The Bargain Base Narrow aisles and obstructions. Shore St, Bowmore

Bowmore Filling Staff friendly and will fill car Station, Jamieson with fuel for you. St, Bowmore. 01496810 348 C&E Roy, 3 steps into shop. The Celtic House Shore St, Bowmore 01496 810 304

Christies the Baker Double door at entry. The Square, Bow- more 01496 810

Christies Paint shop Staff assistance available. and Toy shop, Shore St, Bowmore 01496 810 246 The Co-operative NB No seating available. Main St, Bowmore 01496 810 201 Accessible Islay Page 11

Retail Shops: Bowmore Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes

IDEAs Use It Small shop Again Shop, Bow- more 01496 810 963

Islay Pharmacy Narrow doorway, tight displays. Main St, Bowmore. 01496 810

The Islay Shop Passageways often tightly packed. Main St, Bowmore Staff usually offer to assist by 01496 810 424 moving items if necessary. Up- stairs clothes dept not accessible.

MacFarlane Shallow step on entrance. . Butcher, Shore St, Bowmore 01496 810 365 Spar 2 large steps into shop. Handrails Shore St, Bowmore on entrance. 01496 810 684

Scottish Hydro- Some access at rear of premises. electric shop, Flora St, Bowmore 01496 810 245 Accessible Islay Page 12

Retail Shops: Bridgend, The Rhinns and Port Askaig Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes Bridgend Stores Spar Items from outside garden area Freezer shop can be purchased in Spar shop. 01496 810 335

Minimarket Flat level, some clutter on floor. Bruichladdich. Seating/coffee area. Staff

01496 850319 friendly and willing to assist. C&S Monks Small step down at entrance.

Port Charlotte Good space to get around 01496 850232

Village Shop Large lip at entrance. Tight turning space, narrow aisles. 01496

Ballygrant Village Parking outside on crest of hill Store, or across road.

01496 840 656

Port Askaig Stores 2 large steps up to shop. Steps Port Askaig down to other part of shop.

01496 840 245 Accessible Islay Page 13

Retail Shops: Port Ellen Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes Campbells Butchers Small lip at entrance. Good open 56 Frederick Cresc space. Well lit. PortEllen 01496 300 480 The Co-operative Aisles can be tight. Frederick Cresc No seating available. Port Ellen 01496 302446 Iain Laurie High step in entry. Some tight Charlotte St, spaces inside. Port Ellen 01496 302264 Islay Heathers Lower level accessible with assis- Charlotte St tance. Two upper levels. Port Ellen 01496 302181

MacAulay and Tor- One wide step and double doors on rie Frederick Cresc, entry so assistance may be re- Port Ellen quired. Small space in shop. Staff 01496 302053 help available. Petrol Pumps Tiny shop kiosk.

Port Ellen Accessible Islay Page 14

Leisure activities, nature and the great outdoors Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes Bridgend Woods Park in car park opposite entrance gate (head to Islay House Sq and Bridgend immediate left). 2 easy access gates. Solid path but uneven ground. Bridgend Bowling Bowling green pavilion accessi- green (Bowls, Put- ble. Some gravel to cross. Put- ting) 01496 810592 ting green rougher ground, as- sistance required. Cybercafe Enter using ramp by Corner 30 Mansefield Pl, Kitchen via car park. Internet,

Port Ellen pool and snooker, plasma screen 01496 302693 Islay Wildlife Centre, Level area. Low level touch pool Natural History Trust and displays. Some older dis- Port Charlotte play cases higher. Friendly 01496 850 288 staff. Machrie Golf Course One low wide step and double Port Ellen doors at entry. Golf Carts and 01496 302 310 equipment available for hire. No adapted toilet facilities. MacTaggart Leisure Swimming pool and sauna accessi- Centre, Bowmore ble. Accessible changing room and 01496 810 767 hoist available. Stairs to gym and conference room. Accessible Islay Page 15

Leisure activities, nature and the great outdoors

Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes

Port Ellen playing Tennis, putting, bowls; Park in lay-by fields opposite entrance. Access to pavilion The Pavillion and putting green. Large step down to 07831246911 bowling green. Adapted toilet in public toilets nearby (RADAR Key required) Port Mor Building all accessible. Recreation Centre Playing fields, kids recreation area, Port Charlotte camping facilities. Function rooms. 01496 850441

RSPB Visitor Centre: small lip on entry

Nature Reserve, Open spaces, low level displays.

Upstairs viewing area (but can view 01496 850 505 same from outside) Visitor Centre Toilets by Visitor Centre Hide: Access/parking directly outside. Hide Low level viewing window. Viewing Platform accessed via wood- Viewing Platform land walk entrance. Parking in secon- dary carpark. RSPB Car park and information board acces- Reserve and Ameri- sible only. Long walk over rough ground can Monument. to monument. At time of writing, de- velopments were underway to create 01496 300 118 accessible viewing platform.

Accessible Islay Page 16

Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants—Bowmore Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes The Bowmore Hotel Jamieson St, Narrow Entrance and corridor to Bowmore restaurant 01496 810 416 The Cottage Space is quite tight but staff are Main St, Bowmore friendly and willing to assist if 01496 810 111 necessary.

The Harbour Inn At rear At front Entry and parking at rear can The Square, Bowmore be arranged. Staff happy to 01496 810 330 assist. Heavy doors. Accessible Rooms. The Lochside Hotel/ Access via Duffies Bar en- Duffies Bar trance. Shore St, Bowmore Accessible rooms 01496 810 244 The Taj Mahal No wheelchair access. Shore St, Bowmore 01496 810 033

Accessible Islay Page 17 Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants— Port Ellen Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes The Ardview Inn Small lip into building. Level access Frederick Cresc to bar but some doors to be negoti- Port Ellen ated. 01496 302014 Corner Kitchen Use toilet facilities in Cybercafe. 30 Mansfield Place Port Ellen 01496 302 Drome Café, Good open spaces The Airport, Glenege- dale, Port Ellen 01496 302 Machrie Hotel Low but wide step and double doors Glenegedale, Port on entry. Restaurant and 2 bar Ellen lounges accessible. 01496 302310 NB: No adapted toilet facilities. The Maharani Large lip on entrance. Tight space Frederick Crescent inside. Port Ellen 01496 300300 The White Hart One step to public and lounge bars. Charlotte St, Level access to bar and restaurant. Port Ellen 01496 300120 Accessible Islay Page 18

Pubs, Cafes and Restaurants— The Rhinns, Bridgend, Port Askaig Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes An Tigh Siennse Double doors on entry. No accessi- Portnahaven ble toilet. (2 steps to ladies, flat 01496 860 224 level to gents) Ballygrant Inn Staff willing to assist with access/ Ballygrant provide ramp etc. Restaurant/ 01496 840277 lounge area flat level. Gravel path to public bar. No adapted toilet facilities. Bridgend Hotel Small lip on main entry and to Ka- Bridgend tie's Bar. No adapted toilet fa- 01496 810212 cilities but larger Gents toilet available in Katies Bar. Croft Kitchen For wheelchair access: park at Port Charlotte back of building, walk round over 01496 850 230 rough ground to front door. Lochindaal Hotel 1 step into Bar entrance. I step Port Charlotte into lounge bar entrance. No 01496 850 202 adapted Toilet facilities. Port Charlotte Hotel Heavy entrance door, Accessible Port Charlotte bar, lounge and restaurant. Access 01496 850 360 to beer garden and conservatory via lower car park. Port Askaig Hotel Access to lounge/snug bar and Port Askaig restaurant and lower level of pub- 01496 840 245 lic bar. No adapted Toilet facilities. Accessible Islay Page 19

Banks and Financial Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes Bank of Bowmore

01496 810437 Royal Bank of Scotland, Bow- more 01496 810 555 Royal Bank of Scotland, Port Ellen 01496 302 314 Post Office Main St, Bowmore 01496 810 366

Post Office Steep ramp on entry. Frederick Cresc. Good open space, well lit. Port Ellen 01496 302382 Accessible Islay Page 20

Village Halls Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes Ballygrant Hall No adapted toilet facilities Ballygrant

Bowmore Hall Lower hall is accessible. Bowmore Toilets upstairs. No adapted toilet facilities. Bruichladdich Hall All areas accessible Bruichladdich

Columba Hall No wheelchair access. Port Ellen

ICCI, No access to lower meeting ‘Columba Centre’ rooms. (Gaelic College) Bowmore 01496 810 818

Port Mor All areas accessible Recreation Centre Port Charlotte 01496 850441 Accessible Islay Page 21

Village Halls and other services

Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes

Ramsay Hall Enter through Fire Exit on LHS. Port Ellen No adapted toilet facilities. There are Public Toilets across road accessed with RADAR key.

Rhinns Hall All areas accessible Portnahaven

Public Toilets

Public Toilets Bowmore

Public Toilets Bridgend

Public Toilets Bruichladdich

Public Toilets RADAR key required for accessible Port Ellen toilet. Accessible Islay Page 22

Other services (cont) Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes

Islay Service Point Council Offices. Long ramp to en- Jamieson St trance, 2 entrance doors. Bowmore 01496 301301

ReJig Recycling group. Second hand Whinn Park ,Bridgend goods and furniture. Some gravel 01496 810880 to cross. Some clutter in shop.

Notes: Accessible Islay Page 23

Jura Name of venue Arrival and Entry Getting Around Other facilities Notes

Jura Distillery No information available at time of Craighouse publication 01496 820 240

Jura Hotel No adapted toilet facilities. Key Craighouse for disabled toilets in village hall 01496 820 243 available from behind bar.

Service Point Accessible toilet available here. Craighouse 01496 820 161

Jura Stores and Low lip and 1 low step to front of PO shop. Ramp access to back of shop. Craighouse Staff willing to assist in any way. 01496 820 231 Jura Village Hall Accessible Toilet—key available from Hotel and Shop.

Jura Walled Trek though woods to get to gar- gardens dens. No wheelchair access. Not suitable for people with mobility restrictions www.ideas.f9.co.uk

Islay Disabled Endeavours and Action Map of Islay

IDEAs Resource Centre Kilarrow House Bowmore Isle of Islay PA43 7LH 01496 810 963 [email protected]

IDEA is a Limited Company with charitable status and a Member-led organisation. Charity No: SCO 22066 Company No: SC2733800:

R.Baldry 2008