Scotland is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. For many Americans this is the home of their ancestors' making it just one of many reasons to visit. Many visitors are attracted by the sights of Edinburgh, the capital of Scotland, and by the lively metropolis of Glasgow. From here they often turn to the north to enjoy the scenery of Loch Tummel from Queen's view not to mention earning the right to say that they have been to Loch Ness. It is without saying that 'Nessie', the monster, is a legendary figure based mostly on rare sightings, but why should it not happen that it comes up on the day of your visit? So in the end, most visitors to Scotland obviously do not go without visiting Loch Ness.

The south of Scotland often is ignored by tourists - very wrongly so. There are many places very much worth seeing in this part of the country: lively small towns and sparsely populated countryside, lakes and rivers, high mountains with meadows in the east and relatively flat regions with forests and fields in the west. It is not very far to the sea from every place in the south of Scotland either to the Atlantic Ocean in the west or to the North Sea in the east. In addition to all this, much of the history of Scotland was made here. For centuries the English and the Scots fought against each other - scenes of those fights and battles are mostly here in the south. Famous poets of Scotland like Robert Burns and Sir Walter Scott lived here. Furthermore there are many other historic places in this region.

Apart from the Highlands in the north, travellers with disabilities will also find that the south of Scotland is not easy to manage by wheelchair. Especially in mountainous regions it is sometimes difficult to get along by wheelchair, even inside of towns. Depending on the personal mobility a thorough preparation of the visit is inevitable. This material will give you some good advice to do this. At the same the author wants to encourage you to visit Scotland - my experience is: any difficulties and problems getting around will be well made up for by seeing a unique countryside and meeting open minded, friendly local people.

Dumfries. The Scottish national poet Robert Burns spend last years of his life in this town on the banks of river Nith. On the whole, the city of Dumfries is rather easy to mange by wheelchair. There are several accessible shops, restaurants and cafés. Not very far away from the town hall an accessible restroom is available. Opposite the city of Dumfries, on the other bank of river Nith the Robert Burns Centre & Film Theatre offers plenty of information about Robert Burns, the national poet of Scotland, about his work and his life. There are an audio-visual presentation, a book shop, an exhibition with original manuscripts and things the poet used as well as feature films. The centre is accessible by sloping surface. The upper floor is accessible by chair lift. For more details call +44 1387 26 48 08. To get to know more about Robert Burns, memorials to his life and work as well as places where he lived and work have a look at www.burnsheritagepark.com

Edinburgh. Because of its beauty and abundance of historic buildings the capital of Scotland is also called "The Athens of the North". The city covers several hills. Because of this, disabled visitors to Edinburgh should prepare themselves for negotiating long stretch of ways with ascent or steep gradient. Anyway, visitors should prefer an electric driven wheelchair or make sure to have powerful help to push in the case of need. To take a look at the sights of the city you should start at Edinburgh castle and then go the Royal Mile downhill back to the city. Below the castle hill is a car park at Castle Terraces. From here the street leads just up to the castle hill in a wide turn and with a reasonable ascent. This castle is the best known and most visited historic building in Scotland. It is also accessible. Holders of a parking licence for people with disabilities are allowed to park in front of the castle, a place actually reserved for coaches only. The castle is open seven days a week. Opening time for independent museums may vary. For further information call +44 131 225 98 46.

From here disabled visitors get back to the city going downhill along Castle Hill, Lawn Market and High Street, along the Royal Mile. It is more fun to enjoy this lively route with its plenty of shops and sights going downhill rather than trying to mount this hill sitting in a wheelchair. There are curb cuts at crossroads up until you reach Cannongate. The further route to Hollyroodhouse is more difficult to manage because of its narrow pavements and the lack of sloped pavement. Hollyroodhouse is the palace where members of the Royal Family usually live during their stay in Scotland. If you want to visit this palace later you can turn to New Street and Carlton Road via Waterlooplace to Princess Street. It is the Shopping Mile for residents and visitors to Edinburgh. Like Pinces Mall other department stores and shops are accessible at the ground level. Customers can get to upper floors by elevator. A place to relax in hurly-burly city of Edinburgh is West Princess Street Gardens. Part of this park is located just opposite the department stores of Princess Street. This part of park is easy to manage by wheelchair. The greater part of the park is sited in the valley between Princess Street and Royal Mile. There are adapted paths with gentle gradient down to this part of park which could be used by wheelchair. Nevertheless, manual wheelchair users may need someone to help push.

Eyemouth is a small town on the eastern coastline of Scotland. There is a fishing port, a caravan park and a small but interesting museum. The town itself is located on the inclination down to the sea. There are several streets with steep gradient which are very difficult to manage by wheelchair. The terrain of the city and of the fishing port is flat. In addition to this there are many spots where there are curb cuts and street crossings on the ground level as well as ramps to get over places of differences in level. So a walk through this small town is interesting and fun, for wheelchair users as well. Although not all shops are accessible on the ground floor there are many shops to do shopping without barriers. There are several sidewalk restaurants and cafés. Some restaurants like "Ship Hotel", open an additional door which is broader than the old narrow one to give wheelchair users the opportunity to have their meal or drink inside.

The local Tourist Information Office and the museum are in the same building and are accessible at the ground level. There is an adapted restroom on the car park near Dundee House. To become acquainted with Eyemouth visitors should scout it out with the assistance of the Town Trail Guide which is available at the tourist Office. Visitors with physical disabilities should avoid ways away from the coastline and make sure that the route to the Old Fort (point 7) will be manageable for them personally. The recommended ways round the harbour and the Auld Kirk are convenient for wheelchair users.

Gretna Green. Located about 10 miles north of Carlisle just at the border to England. Gretna Green is fondly recognized as a significant Scottish landmark. Since 1754 countless of thousands of runaway couples have raced to Gretna Green to marry under Scottish law. The Old Blacksmith's Shop was the first stop over the border and here the "Blacksmith Priest" would sure to make them husband and wife before the bride's angry father caught up with them.

There is a car park close to the exhibits and shopping area. All the terrain of the historic Blacksmith's Shop, Tartan Shops and restaurants are accessible. An accessible restroom is available too. For further information have a look at www.gretnagreen.com

Hawick. This town is located in the valley of river Teviot. The city is uncomplicated to manage by wheelchair. Curb cuts can be found at street crossings so it is easy to get to department stores, plenty of small shops, bank offices and several restaurants of the city. On the outskirts of the city there are many streets and paths with steep gradient which are very difficult to manage by wheelchair. In general, only visitors with electric driven wheelchairs should go to these parts of town. The Drumlanrig's Tower, one of the dominating buildings on High Street, is part of a former stronghold of Douglas' and Scott's, later a town house, coaching inn and hotel nowadays the Tourist Information Office on the ground floor. Disabled visitors can get there by a ramp from the courtyard side. Three stories above the office visitors can learn more about the turbulent history of this town in a museum with illustrative display models and interpreted through audio visual technology. Visitors can get to all floors by elevator.

Hawick has a long and colourful history which can be traced back to the 12th century. All of its history was especially influenced by struggles with English neighbours in the south and by the industrial revolution which made Hawick into the center of the knitwear and textile industry. Visitors who want to know more about it and who want to get acquainted with scenes of action can explore the town on three different trails. Guides are available at the Tourist Office.

Hawick is a regular winner of the Beautiful Scotland and Britain in Bloom awards. Wilton lodge Park is the centrepiece of this success. 107 acres scenic setting on the Teviot's wooded banks invite you to relax among the tree lined walks, riverside picnic spots, recreational facilities, children's play areas and the walled garden with its magnificent summer floral displays. The expanse of the park is flat. Most paths are surfaced with asphalt and easy to manage by wheelchairs. The museum is accessible by ramp to the ground floor. A elevator to the upper floor is not available yet. The walled garden is located above the park across Wilton Park Road. The path from the park to here is rather steep (more than 15%). Lovers of gardening can get there by taking the longer way (about one kilometre) via Wilton Park Road.

Jedburgh. This small town is located on a slope between the river Jed in the valley and a castle up on a mountain. Between them runs Main Street which is very steep. On the original site of the castle of Jedburgh, the 19th century jail is the only remaining example left in Scotland of a Howard Reform Prison. The jail was built in 1820. The museum now illustrates the history of Jedburgh and prison life in a reconstruction room using audio visual period artefacts. Passageways and doors in the castle are rather narrow so the museum is best seen with a light manual wheelchair only.

There is a well built car park near the market place and the ruin of Jedburgh Abbey. Close to this car park is an accessible restroom. In the same building above the restroom is the local Tourist Information Office. It is completely accessible. Jedburgh Abbey was founded in 1138. Today, there is a cloister and herb garden to explore, and a visitor center containing 8th century carving and artefacts excavated from the abbey ground. This area of the abbey is accessible. In the lower part of the city the Mary Queen of the Scots House invites a visit. The young Mary Stuart arrived in Jedburgh in 1566 to hold a Circuit Court and a fortified house was put at her disposal. Now this house contains a visitors centre which portrays the poignant story of the Queen's tragic life. The museum is accessible for wheelchair users only on the ground floor. The small park of the house is flat and easy to manage by wheelchair.

Kelso. Located in a turn of river Tweed it is the town Walter Scott wrote 'would be the most beautiful if not the most romantic town in Scotland'. Kelso invites visitors with disabilities to do some window shopping. The shops of the city are spread over a relatively small terrain around the Square as well as between Horsemarket and Woodmarket. Only very few of them are accessible at the ground floor, to enter most shops you must mount one or two steps. The surfaces are mostly pavement in the city which are quite passable by wheelchair. There is an adapted restroom for wheelchair users in the Woodmarket. Visitors can get more information at the local Tourist information Office at the Square. The office is accessible at the ground floor. Members of staff also give information about accessibility of trails along the banks of river Tweed which is not very far from the city. Near Kelso, Floors Castle can be seen and is open from April till October. For visitors with disabilities it is accessible with some restrictions. To get to know if your personal needs will be met or to find out if you may need assistance have a look on www.floorscastle.com

Melrose is a small town on the banks of river Tweed. There are some shops and restaurants on the market place and surrounding streets. This small town is world-famous because of Melrose Abbey. It was built in 1136 and is the surviving remains are parts of the church built in the 15th century. Buried in the Abbey grounds is a casket believed to contain the heart of Robert the Bruce. One of the most famous poets of Scotland, Robert Burns, was enthusiastic in the face of the ruin of Melrose Abbey in moonlight. The terrain of Melrose Abbey allows you to enter through a reception area where from there a staircase leads down to the site. Visitors with wheelchairs must announce their visit here then they can enter the site through a side entrance. You can get to nearly all parts of the abbey and the surrounding graveyard. Places of different levels are accessed by ramp. Nevertheless, it might be that someone needs a helping hand to push the wheelchair on short spots where there is gravel or on the lawn. Just opposite of Melrose Abbey is a small but worth seeing garden, Harmony Garden. It is relaxing and interesting to have a walk there. The terrain is flat and the paths are well hardened to use a wheelchair on it. There are six steps at the end of this way round so wheelchair users must cross the lawn here or go back the short way round again. Leaving Harmony Garden and continuing the walk from the center of the town one arrives a trail along the banks of river Tweed. The surface of this trail is asphalt up to a picnic ground and from back to the center. It is easy to manage by wheelchair but there is a steep gradient on the way back to the center near the church.

The scenery of Melrose is dominated by the Eildon Hills, the most distinctive landmark at the Scottish Border. The hills were formed as a result of volcanic activity. There are many myths telling about a wizard splitting the single hill into three or the ghost of King Arthur which is said to lay under the hill. Signs of early fortification can still be seen. There is a 6 kilometres walk up to the 422 meter high peak which begins in Melrose. People with disabilities should ask for further details and make their own decision to do this walk or not. The Tourist office in Melrose is not accessible. Those who need special information should look for it on www.melrose.bordernet.co.uk or put ones questions before arriving by mail to: Melrose Tourist Information Centre - Abbey House - Abbey Street - Melrose TD6 9LG or rather by giving a call to +44 870 608 0404

New Lanark Cotton Mill. Over 200 years ago the beautiful sandstone cotton mills of New Lanark were founded in a dramatic gorge close to the famous Falls of Clyde. Soon the village became known all over the world because of the work of mill owner and social pioneer Robert Owen. In an age of uncaring mill managers and "dark satanic mills", he provided decent homes, fair wages, free health care and a new education system for villagers, which included the first nursery school in the world. New Lanark has been carefully restored as a living, working community where visitors are welcome. It is a place where it is quite easy to imagine how people lived and worked in Owen's days. The village and surroundings woodlands are now protected as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visitors find the mills about one hours drive by car south of Edinburgh or Glasgow in the direction of Carlisle.

New Lanark Cotton Mills is deep down in the valley of the river Clyde near the town of Lanark. Holders of a parking card for disabled persons must not park their car on the official car park but they can drive further down to the bottom of the valley and park their cars just in front of the visitors center. In general, the terrain of the mill easily managed by wheelchair. Surfaces of the paths are flat and stable. Only the natural hillside areas might cause difficulties and some problems. The exhibition in the visitors center is accessed by ramps without any steps. To take part in the tour in the New Millennium Experience visitors must be able to get out of the wheelchair and to go for a short walk and then to a moving seat. Cafeteria and gift shop are on the ground floor of the visitors center and both are accessible.

Visitors with wheelchairs can enter the former school building through a side entrance and get to different attractions on various floors by elevator. The film presentation about the fictitious story of Annie McLeod and the life of former mill workers can be followed from special places for visitors with wheelchair. The projection room is wheelchair accessible as is the exhibit about restoring the mill and a former class room in the upper floor. A former flat of a mill worker family and the village store also can be seen by visitors. To get into the store people must mount one step. To get into the workers' flat people must mount three steps at least (at the door which is actually the end of the tour through this part of the museum and the exit).

The former house of Robert Owen himself can be entered though a side door at the ground level. Inside living, working and children's rooms can be seen. Rooms in the top floor are closed. There is still something worth seeing in the basement of the house but visitors must negotiate an old staircase to get there. More information one find in the internet on www.newlarnark.org or www.robert-owen.com

Paxton House. Located near Berwick upon Tweed in the East of the Border region, Paxton House is one of the finest 18th century Palladian country houses in Britain. Paxton House hosts marvellous interiors by Robert Adam, the largest collection of Chippendale furniture and fine regency furniture by Trotter of Edinburgh. Reception, tea room and shops of the house are accessible on the ground floor. Rooms can also be seen on an upper floor. Visitors with wheelchair can get there by elevator (inside area only 80 cm by 120 cm). All rooms on this floor are accessible and level. There are sleeping rooms on the top floor which are reached only by visitor who are able to walk. There is an adapted restroom for visitors with wheelchair accessed from the courtyard. It is well equipped but there is only a space to turn of 120 cm by 120 cm. The Park of this palace is located on a steep slope going down to the banks of river Tweed at its greatest part. It is not recommend to try to go there by wheelchair. There is still a way round opposite the river. Visitors with a manual wheelchair should only take it with someone to assist moving forward and when the surface is dry. You find more details on www.paxtonhouse.com

Edinburgh

CITY ART CENTRE - 2 Market Street The Centre is accessible as all floors are accessible by elevator. Museum exhibits and events leaflet is available in large print, Braille and audio upon request. For more information have a look at www.cac.org.uk

EDINBURGH BUTTERFLY & INSECT WORLD Dobbie's Garden World, Melville Nursery, Both Butterfly and Insect World and the neighbouring Dobbie's Garden World are fully accessible to wheelchair users, with the exception of a mezzanine level in the garden center. The main car park has wide parking spaces and there are drop off points at both entrances. There are accessible WCs and the restaurant is accessible to wheelchair users. For more information have a look at www.edinburgh-butterfly-world.co.uk

PALACE OF HOLYROODHOUSE The Palace of Holyroodhouse stands at the end of Edinburgh's Royal Mile. Once the home of Mary, Queen of Scots, Holyrood remains a working palace today. It is open daily except 9th of April 25th and 26th of December and during Royal visits. As a working royal palace opening arrangements may change at a short notice. For further information have a look at www.royal.gov.uk or call +44 131 556 51 00

ROYAL BOTANIC GARDEN EDINBURGH Founded in Garden in 1670, this botanic garden has developed over the centuries into one of the world's greatest gardens. The Exhibition Hall, Gallery, Botanics Shop, Terrace Cafe and WCs are all accessible to wheelchair users. For more information have a look at www.rbge.org.uk

ROYAL MUSEUM / MUSEUM OF SCOTLAND - Chambers Street There is a level entrance to both museums from Chambers Street via the Tower entrance of the Museum of Scotland. There is also a ramped entrance at the back of the Royal Museum, on Lothian Street there is an intercom for requesting admission and can be used for entrance to the Lecture Theatre. Adapted toilets are available. Personal access guides can be booked by calling +44 131 247 4206. For more information have a look at www.nms.ac.uk

THE ROYAL YACHT BRITANNIA - Ocean Terminal - Leith The Royal Yacht Britannia, which carried The Queen and The Royal Family on 968 official voyages over 44 years, is moored in the port of Leith (Edinburgh). The visitor centre and yacht are both fully accessible. Written audio script for hearing impaired are available. For more information have a look at www.royalyachtbritannia.co.uk

Innerleighten

TRAQUAIR HOUSE

The oldest inhabited house in Scotland. Disabled visitors can access the ground floor of the house. Ramps are provided at the Brew Shop Museum and Gift Shop. For more information have a look at www.traquair.co.uk

Peebles

KAILZIE GARDENS

Large domestic garden on a grand scale. Situated 2.5 miles from the town centre of Peebles. Accessible with assistance. Adapted toilet available. For more details ring +44 1721 720 007

There are several resources listed in the Access-Able Database which will direct you where to get more information to prepare your journey to South - East of Scotland. Some examples are: Scottish Tourist Board, Scottish Border Tourist Board and the Dumfries & Galloway Tourist Board. Visitors from USA will also find detailed information on Scotland at www.toscotland.com

There is a brochure available titled "Accessible Scotland". It is a guide to accessible accommodations and visitors atttactions for people with physical disabilities. It has nearly 90 pages of information about accessiblity to attractions and sights all over Scotland as well as addresses of hotels, guest houses and self catering accommodation which are accessible at various levels (unassisted wheelchair access, assisted wheelchair access and access for visitors with mobility difficulties). Check out this months What's News page for details about how to obtain this brochure.

Special information about accessible sights and attractions can also be obtained from: Advice Service Capability Scotland (ASCS) at www.capability-scotland.org.uk

More information about accessibility of sights, restaurants and hotels in both large towns of the region can also be found on:
www.disabledgo.info - Edinburgh
www.glasgowaccesspanel.org.uk - Glasgow

Further information about Edinburgh is available from: In the internet on:
www.edinburghguide.com
www.edinburghfestivals.com

or by phone:

Busses (Traveline Edinburgh) call 0800 23 23 23

National Rail call 08457 48 49 50

Edinburgh City is well-served by Scotland's second busiest airport, which is about a 25-minute drive from the city center. You are advised to contact your airline regarding any specific needs before flying. The terminal, the facilities for those with special needs are excellent including reserved seating throughout the airport, unisex adapted toilets, induction loops, low level monitors and adapted telephones which can be used with hearing aids. It is possible to request wheelchair push/provision or help with baggage to reach check-in/your vehicle. To book in advance call +44 131 344 3486.

Glasgow City can be reached by Scotland's busiest airport, which is situated about eight miles to the west of the city centre. In the terminal, induction loops are fitted in many areas, but particularly in reserved seating areas and at information desks. Pay phones and credit card telephones are available in all parts of the airport and are adapted for hearing aids. Reserved seating areas often provide low level flight information screens and most toilet blocks include a unisex accessible toilet nearby.

To get around in Scotland you should rent a car. You get more information about adapted cars and vans from the offices of car renting companies. A complete listing can be found in the Access-Able Database. Another option is CALDEW COATCHES LTD. which can provide vehicles for those with special needs. All are available for private hire or contracts and are fully equipped for wheelchairs. They also have private taxi hire that can accommodate six and eight passengers. For further information check out their web site www.caldewcoaches.co.uk

If you have problems getting around Scotland, then ScotRail also can help you. Information on facilities at all ScotRail stations is available on www.scotrail.co.uk Customers requiring assistance with their journey should call +44 845 605 70 21.

Information about various hotels of different hotel chains can be found on the internet at:
www.british-trust-hotels.com
www.hotels-of-distinction.com
www.scotland-hotels.com

Information about self - catering - accommodations can be found at:
www.assc.co.uk

Information about youth hostels:
www.syha.org.uk
www.hostels-scotland.co.uk
www.scotlands-top-hostels.com

Glenholm Centre Mr. Neil Robinson Broughton ML12 6JF Phone +44 1899 83 04 08  3 Star guest house near Peebles	Mrs. S. Brewis Little Swinton  Coldstream TD12 4HH Phone +44 1890 86 02 80  3-4 Star self catering accommodation	The Coach House At Crookham Crookham Coldstream TD12 4TD Phone 0044 1890 82 02 93 4 Diamonds guest house
Gubhill Farm  Ae Dumfries DG1 1RL Phone +44 1387 86 06 48  Self catering accommodation	Nunland Country Holidays Crocketford Road Dumfries DG2 8PZ  Phone +44 1387 73 03 64  Self catering accommodation	Ardgarth Guest House 1 St. Mary's Street Portobello Edinburgh EH15 2QF  Phone +44 669 30 21
Brae Lodge Guest House 30 Liberton Brae Edinburgh EH16 6AF  Phone +44 131 672 28 76	Craigievar 112 Glasgow Road Edinburgh EH12 8LP  Phone +44 131 539 24 85	Edinburgh City Travel Inn Metro  1 Morrison Link Edinburgh EH3 8DN Phone +44 131 655 43 45
Jurys Edinburgh Inn 43 Jeffrey Street  Edinburgh EH1 1DH  Phone +44 131 200 33 00	Melville Guest House 2 Duddingston Crescent Edinburgh EH15 3AS Phone +44 669 78 56	Sheraton Grand Hotel & Spa 1 Festival Square Edinburgh EH3 9SR Phone +44 131 229 91 31
Thistle Edinburgh  107 Leith Street Edinburgh EH1 3SW  Phone +44 141 332 33 11	The Trefoil Centre  Gorgarbank  Edinburgh EH12 9DA  Phone +44 131 339 31 48	Westwood Guest House Houndwood Eyemouth TD14 5TP Phone +44 1361 85 02 32  3 Star guest house
Carlton George Hotel 44 West George Street Glasgow G2 1DH  Phone +44 141 353 63 73	Glasgow Hilton 1 William Street Glasgow G3 8HT Phone +44 141 204 55 55	Glasgow Marriot 500 Argyle Street Glasgow G3 8RR  Phone +44 141 221 92 02
Glasgow North Premier Lodge Milngavie Road Glasgow G61 3TA  Phone +44 870 700 14 00	Holiday Inn 161 West Nile Street  Glasgow G1 2RL  Phone +44 141 332 74 47	Holiday Inn Glasgow City West Bothwell Street Glasgow G2 7EN Phone +44 870 400 90 32
Novotel Glasgow 181 Pitt Street  Glasgow G2 4DT  Phone +44 7799 47 81 79	Tulip Inn Glasgow 80 Ballater Street  Glasgow G5 0TW  Phone +44 141 42 94 233	Hunters Lodge Hotel  Annan Road  Gretna DG16 5DL Phone +44 1461 33 82 14
The Garden House Hotel  Sarkfoot Road Gretna DG16 5EP  Phone +44 1461 33 76 92	Welcome Lodge Welcome Break Service Area M74 Gretna Green DG16 5HQ Phone +44 1461 33 75 66	Traquair Arms Hotel  Traquair Road Innerleithen EH44 6PD  Phone +44 1896 83 02 29
The Crown Hotel 8 Bruce Street  Lochmaben DG11 1PD Phone +44 1387 81 17 50	Eildon Holiday Cottages  Dingleton Mains  Melrose TD6 9HS  Phone +44 1896 82 32 58	Dryburgh Abbey Hotel Mr. Mathew Grosse St. Boswell TD6 0RQ  Phone +441835 82 26 61

Return To Travel Tales