Revealing how accessible Skye is For All
On a typical Spring day on Skye when the weather changes every 15 minutes we headed to Portree Forest. Between the trees we could shelter from any rain or hail, and enjoy the sunbeams penetrating through the tree canopy. It is a walk enjoyed by many locals and is relatively straightforward. However winter storms have eroded parts of the path so wheelchair users now may find access quite difficult. Here is how we got on.
Continue reading “Portree Forest”
PLEASE NOTE – this is an independent accessibility review of An Talla Mòr 1820, we are not affiliated with them in any way. Please leave reviews and comments on their Facebook page NOT here. Thank you.
An Talla Mòr 1820 is situated in a newly converted church building in central Portree. The former Parish Church on Bank Street has stood derelict for many years so it is lovely to see such a sympathetic renovation. Now a cafe the building has returned to the glory it deserves.
Continue reading “An Talla Mòr 1820”Looking across Portree Harbour from the village there is a pristine piece of green land. Usually adorned with a flagpole which sadly broke in a early winter storm of 2020. This area is home to the Nicolson Clan Memorial. The walk from the village centre (Somerled Square) to the memorial is approximately 2.5km or 1.5 miles . Walking halfway on the footpath and halfway on the pathless Scorrybreac Road. Sarah found it quite tricky in places which we will describe at length below.
Wentworth Street Portree
Accessibility – one smaller step from street level
The two counters are at the rear of the shop, both are high but the staff are very helpful
There is not a lot of floor space once inside, users of large wheelchair may struggle
Bank Street Portree
Accessibility – level entry from the car park and street
Disabled parking space and dropped kerb by front door
External cash machine mounted at wheelchair height
Automatic doors to gain entry inside
Somerled Square Portree
Accessibility – ramp to the front door from the car park
Disabled Parking space by the front door
External cash machine mounted at wheelchair height
Automatic doors to gain entry inside
Somerled Square Portree
Accessibility – ramp to the front door from the street
Disabled Parking spaces across the road in the Square
External cash machine mounted at wheelchair height
Automatic doors to gain entry inside
The Green Portree
Accessibility – ramp up to the front door from the street
Tigh na Sgire, Park Lane Portree
Accessibility – step free access from the street
Disabled parking by the front door
Automatic front doors
Low level reception desks
Lift
Disabled toilets, free for the public to use even when not using the Service Point
The Isles Inn Portree is one of the most central eating establishments in the village. It has a traditional Highland pub atmosphere. You can find it in the corner of Somerled Square near the disabled parking.
The Green Portree
Ladies, Gents and Disabled toilets.
All level access from the street
Free to use.
RADAR key needed for access to the disabled toilet
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – Large step up to the front door
Portable Wheelchair ramp available – ask inside
Knock on the window if you are alone & can’t get up the step, a member of staff will come to your assistance.
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – level entrance
Push button automatic doors
One disabled parking space outside the store.
Bank Street, Portree
Accessibility – level access
Automatic doors
Very narrow and crowded aisles
Usually very busy, particularly in summer months. If you have transport you may be better taking a trip to the large Co-op supermarket on Woodpark Road.
Bayfield Road, Portree
Accessibility – level access
Automatic doors
Low level help desk
Two disabled parking spaces available in the car park in front of the centre.
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – one small, very visible step outside.
Inside the Ladieswear is located upstairs, there is no lift.
Staff may be able to give assistance if necessary.
Floor space is tight but not totally crowded.
Many items are displayed at a low level.
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – one small step in the front doorway
Level inside and all on the ground floor
Fairly spacious layout on the sales floor.
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – level entrance from the street
Two doorways to navigate to get inside
Space is a little tight once you are inside as it is a little sweet treasure trove
Very helpful staff
Wentworth Street – Portree
Accessibility – one small step to gain access to the shop
Plenty of floorspace once inside
Helpful staff behind the counter
There are a few tables and chairs inside where you can eat your lunch
Wentworth Street Portree
Accessibility – one small step to gain access to the shop
Plenty of floorspace once inside
Staff can help you with items you cannot reach
Wentworth Street, Portree
Accessibility – level entry from the street
Space is tight inside due to all the lovely items on sale
Staff very helpful in finding or handing you things you cannot reach
Bayfield Lane Portree
Accessibility – two steps to the entrance
Help was offered to help Sarah in and out of the shop and to also bring her rollator inside out of the rain
No access for wheelchairs inside the shop
Bayfield Lane Portree
Accessibility – one step to the entrance
Very helpful staff
Very spacious once inside
No access for wheelchairs due to the step
Bank Street Portree
Accessibility – level from the street, though there is a raised area in part of the shop.
Enough space to move around in inside
Staff very willing to offer assistance
Bank Street Portree
Accessibility – level from the street
An external door leading to a shared entrance vestibule
Level and spacious sales floor
Helpful staff
Bank Street Portree
Accessibility – level from the street
Shares the same from door and entrance vestibule as Cuillins Crafts
Many books are displayed on lower level table tops
Staff are happy to help with books on higher shelves
The Green Portree
Accessibility – level entry from the street
Level sales floor once inside
Items displayed at all levels
Staff happy to help with harder to reach items
Enough floor space to get around, a little tight in the window area.
King’s House The Green Portree
Accessibility – ramp up to the front door
Typical Charity Shop that is packed to the rafters with donations.
Space is a little tight but staff are more than willing to help you out.
Somerled Square Portree
Accessibility – one step up to the front door from the path
The Green Portree
Accessibilty – level entry from the street
Two different shops in one building with very similar layouts
Level floor once inside
Space to move around between clothing racks
Helpful staff in both stores
Bayfield Lane Portree
Accessibility – one step up from the street
Large waiting area inside with a low level counter
Queenie the receptionist is very very helpful