Accessible guide to the Scottish Islands

Reach into history and get up close to the Calanais Standing Stones which are even older than Stonehenge. Shaped like a Celtic cross, this ancient Neolithic landmark overlooks a black loch, only adding to the atmosphere that engulfs its location on the remote island of Lewis. Blue Badge holders can park in nearby laybys. From here, wheelchair users can use the path up to the stones. Otherwise, there’s a second car park near the visitor centre where access is flat, though it can get a bit boggy during wet weather.

At only 20 miles (32km) long, and 10 miles (16km) wide this little island packs a punch. Situated in the Firth of Clyde, the Isle of Arran is rammed with picturesque shores, cute villages and brightly coloured loch-side homes. Arran is teeming with wildlife boasting more than 250 species of bird, stretches of coast to feast your eyes on as well as inland lochs. It’s a great place to spot birds of prey like buzzards, kestrels, and sparrowhawks. It’s easily reached by Calmac’s Clyde & Hebridean Ferries. There’s plenty of accessible accommodation available on the island, perfect after a busy day of exploring.

The oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland, the award-winning Dunvegan Castle welcomes you to visit the estate, steeped in history. The entrance to the castle is accessible via a ramp though not all levels can be accessed due to the age of the building. The garden has some accessible paths to enjoy, there are information cards available for visitors who are hard of hearing and assistance dogs are welcome.

Discover the epic story of one of Scotland’s largest and most powerful clans, Clan Donald. With accessible parking bays, all indoor visitor facilities at Armadale Castle are accessible on one level, and the main routes in the garden are wheelchair-friendly. Assistance dogs are welcome in the gardens and museum.

Built around 5,000 years ago, discover these Neolithic sites and marvel at their construction. Access at each site is different with a range of paths, handrails, ear defenders and more. Assistance dogs are welcome at each location and visitor centres are accessible. Visit the village settlement of Skara Brae, in Sandwick, and the Maeshowe chambered tomb at Stenness. The Ring of Brodgar Stone Circle and Henge and Stones of Stenness Circle and Henge have less access, though it might be possible when the ground is not wet as this Euan’s Guide review details.

Need some rest and relaxation? What better place to find inner peace than in a four-star resort set against the backdrop of mountains and forest, with the coast a stone’s throw away. With accessible hotel rooms and luxury lodges, including walk-in showers, grab rails, adapted bedrooms and more, the hotel spa and leisure facilities at the Auchrannie Resort are a real gem. There are accessible changing areas, a hoist for the pool, and an accessible nail bar and treatment rooms in the spa. All have ramped access or are accessible via lift, and there are accessible toilets throughout.

Fancy whetting your whistle on Scotland’s most famous export? Book The Hebridean Whisky Trail to explore several island distilleries on Raasay, Benbecula, Jura, Harris and Skye, famous for producing the world’s finest single malts thanks to their uniquely peaty soils. You’ll get the chance to discover what makes it one of the world’s most renowned exporters of the golden liquid. Itineraries can be adapted to suit accessibility requirements.

Raise a glass to Britain’s most northerly brewery, Lerwick Brewery, which aims to capture Shetland’s wild beauty in every bottle. Discover the various stages of the brewing process, with opportunities to smell and taste the malt and hops. The building is fully accessible and accessible toilets are available. 

With epic coastal scenery, local towns, historic locations, dramatic sunrises through to sunsets and more, the Shetland Islands are a wonderful place to explore. The charity Ability Shetland has made it their mission to get everyone out and about and has four all-terrain wheelchairs to use free of charge. They have also worked with the Shetland Islands Council’s Outdoor Access Team to showcase several all-terrain wheelchair routes, including Burradale Wind Farm in north Lerwick with views stretching over Tingwall Valley and Central Mainland. The Cunningham Way route in south Lerwick overlooks Clickimin Broch ancient stone round houses sat on the shore of Clickimin Loch. If beaches are more your thing, check out the Quendale Beach option.

Founded by two friends, Sarah and Melanie who live on the Isle of Skye, Skye for All suggests accessible treks to do on the island. Each activity is carried out by the pair, with Sarah’s folding wheeled frame and walking stick, and offers insights into the accessibility of trails and activities. Unfortunately, the website is no longer regularly updated, but remains a useful resource.

A short ferry ride from Oban, Lochaline or Kilchoan is the Inner Hebridean island of Mull. Get back to nature at Aros Park with views over to Tobermory and Ardnamurchan. This accessible trail, with compress gravel path, is suitable for motorised wheelchair users and takes you through woodland, past water-lily-filled waters, and views of the Alainn Burn waterfall.

See the islands from the sea and take in the local wildlife on a boat tour on the waters around the Isle of Skye, Raasay and Rona. Stardust Portree Boat Trips offer three boats with access for wheelchairs, including a wheelchair ramp. No matter the type of wheelchair or walking aid you might have, the crew will get it on board. Dogs are also welcome.

The Mull Theatre creates artworks that embrace local culture and push the boundaries of change and innovation through music, dance and drama. This ‘Pay What You Decide’ theatre welcomes performances from everyone, so you can choose to watch a show or even put one on yourself! The theatre has wheelchair access and accessible toilets. Just up the road is the An Tobar Gallery, which showcases local talent and holds art, craft and cross-discipline workshops. An Tobar also has wheelchair access and accessible toilets on site.

Found in the heart of Shetland’s capital, Lerwick, is the Shetland Museum and Archives. Discover the history of Shetland’s heritage and culture through a wide range of exhibitions and displays. Look out for events and activities, book a guided tour, or browse the collections at your own pace. The museum is a short distance from the ferry terminal. There is a ramp at the entrance with slow revolving doors, clear access inside the museum and a lift to other floors; accessible toilets are available. Make sure to check out the cafe-restaurant with views across the dock and out to the North Sea.

Including artists from the around the world, the four day Orkney Folk Festival showcases a range of acts from acoustic guitar to choirs, accordion players to violinists. Most venues have step free access and small number of spaces for wheelchair users. The ticketing system is part of the Access Card scheme if you have it. The team of volunteers are available to support at each event.

Learn about Orkney’s ancient history and how its monuments that remain today fit into the culture of the islands. Huddle around the fire as the storytellers at the Orkney Folklore and Storytelling Centre pass on folklore, myths and legends. Held at the Folk Art Studio there is level access throughout for people using wheelchairs. The centre also has accessible performances of storytelling, dance and drama, with live music, mime, gestures and sign language, inclusive for guests hard of hearing, D/deaf, blind or partially sighted.

Situated beside the North Sea, Mareel’s setting is just as dramatic as the films and plays you’ll see inside. As Britain’s most northerly cinema and arts centre, Mareel brings the latest blockbusters, as well as music, drama, dance and comedy, to Shetland. The centre is fully accessible, with two wheelchairs are available for patrons’ use.

Reconnect with nature and find inner peace with an accessible yoga class on this picturesque island. With various retreats to book, or one-off classes, Isle of Mull Yoga holds sessions for individuals or groups, taking place indoors or outside on the beach — weather permitting. Classes can be adapted to suit, contact for details.

Feel the breeze as you whizz along exploring Shetland by bike. From trikes to wheelchair bikes, hand cycles and more, Ability Shetland has a selection of adapted bikes for five-year-olds to adult to hire. Borrowing a bike is free of charge, though the charity are open to donations which go towards the maintenance of the vehicles.

For a sporty day out that really hits the spot, head to A.C.E Target Sports’ range at Portree. Try your hand at axe-throwing, clay shooting, target archery or airgun action, with the support of your experienced instructor. The best bit is, the sports can be adapted to suit most mobility and sensory requirements. A.C.E’s newly refurbished base has a spacious accessible toilet and two accessible parking spaces, and most surfaces consist of fine compacted gravel.