Fully accessible free half term days out in Scotland

As many families continue to tighten their belts, planning cheap accessible days out in Scotland is now easier than ever with the new Rough Guide to Accessible Britain. The Guide is available to read and download online for free now at www.accessibleguide.co.uk.  

Packed with over 200 reviews of attractions across the UK, the guide features many free attractions, including Glenmore Forest Park and the Callanish Standing Stones, the Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is an ideal planning tool to enjoy an inclusive day out.

In the heart of the Cairngorms Mountains, around six miles east of Aviemore, Glenmore Forest Park boasts one of Scotland’s few remaining tracts of ancient Caledonian pine forest. It is the site of Loch Morlich, whose long, golden beach is the highest in Britain.

There’s free blue badge parking, and two accessible trials to enjoy. The shorter 1.5-mile-long Beach Trail takes you along the edge of Loch Morlich and is accessible for mobility scooter or electric wheelchair users, while manual wheelchair users may require assistance at steeper sections.

On the banks of the River Clyde, the Riverside Museum, Scotland’s Museum of Transport and Travel, is a vibrant celebration of Glasgow’s importance as a transport innovator. Its collection of vintage and modern vehicles includes trams, busses, locomotives, motorbikes, and cars.

Much thought has been given to accessibility, with plenty of accessible parking spots, a drop off point, lowered welcome desk and two accessible lifts to the exhibits. Many exhibits are there to be touched to help enhanced the exhibit, allowing for an interactive experience for everyone.

A neolithic marvel in a wild landscape, the Callanish Standing Stones on the remote Isle of Lewis are older than the Pyramids, and rival Stonehenge for historic and acarological importance. Unlike many other ancient monuments, you are encouraged to touch the stones and roam around this atmospheric place. A car park with level access to the site provides easy access to the stones.

The refreshed, ninth edition of the Guide highlights venues that have gone the extra mile to make themselves accessible. Encouraging people to discover the best parts of the UK, the detailed reviews in the Guide are designed to empower anyone with a physical, mental health or cognitive condition to enjoy an accessible day out.

The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain has been created in partnership with Motability Operations Ltd, the company behind the Motability Scheme. The Motability Scheme enables over 650,000 customers to get on the road and the Guide supports the ethos of empowering disabled people to enjoy everyday freedom.

A new, refreshed ninth edition of The Rough Guide to Accessible Britain is now available via accessibleguide.co.uk

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For more information on leasing a car, scooter or powered wheelchair through the Motability Scheme, visit motability.co.uk or call 0800 953 7000.

Dumbiedykes death: man arrested

Around 3.45am yesterday (Sunday, 12 February, 2023) police were called to a report of an 18-year-old man found injured in Viewcraig Street, in the Dumbiedykes area.

Emergency services attended and he was taken by ambulance to Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh where he died a short time later.

A 19-year-old has been arrested in connection with the death and the investigation continues.

Detective Inspector George Calder, of the Major Investigation Team, said: “Our thoughts and are very much with the young man’s family and friends at this very difficult time.

“We have a dedicated team of officers working on this investigation and extensive enquiries are ongoing at this time. I would ask anyone who was in Viewcraig Street and the surrounding area, in the early hours of Sunday morning, and who may have seen or heard a disturbance, or witnessed anything suspicious, to please get in touch with us.

“I am also keen to speak to anyone with any CCTV, dashcam or any other footage that they think would assist the enquiry. We will have a continued police presence in the area and anyone with any concerns can approach these officers”

Anyone with information is asked to contact Police Scotland via 101 quoting reference 0752 of 12 February, 2023. Alternatively, Crimestoppers can be contacted on 0800 555 111, where anonymity can be maintained.