Accessibility was embedded into the rebuild plans. "The interior of our café and museum buildings were built to standard for wheelchairs, including lowered reception and café till areas and café counters for those in wheelchairs (both staff and visitors).”
All their entry points to the buildings have double doors that can be opened to accommodate larger wheelchairs, prams, buggies, and mobility aids.
In the museum, the rooms are large and open to allow for easier movement. The exit from the museum to the site is equipped with a set of three stairs to one site and a gradual declining ramp on the other to allow access to the Iron Age village site. From the museum exit, the site is flat earth and accessible to walk around. Each area is equipped with seating.
They also now have three disabled parking bays (one now housing a charging port for electric cars) close to their reception doors with both a bench and picnic table in between for those that may need a seat.
When booking a tour online, they incorporated a question page where visitors can state if they have additional needs prior to their arrival. This ensures that the team are ready and equipped in advance to give them the best experience possible.
Enabling their staff
The Scottish Crannog Centre employ a diverse team, some with disabilities and others neurodiverse. Mike has reached out to local charities to ensure they are providing both staff and visitors with the support they need. “A diverse workforce best engages with diverse audiences.”
“Our team are ready to work with visitors with a variety of additional needs. There are always hands-on activities that are inclusive and interactive and we offer sensory play. For example there are always pieces of the handling collection for visitors with impaired vision to have a tactile experience.”
“If an area is busy, loud and overstimulating for visitors, there are areas on-site to go for a walk, sit quietly, or play and our team can work with visitors to provide these spaces and give everyone a welcoming and friendly experience.”
The team work alongside Perth Autism Support who provide training and support and are a disability confident Leader employer. This is a government initiative that supports employers to make the most of the talents disabled people can bring to the workplace.
AccessAble assessment
Mike and the team wanted to ensure they’re meeting industry standards for accessibility. “At the end of 2024, we had an AccessAble assessment and guide done for our site. The guide is now live and linked to on our website so all visitors have the information they need before they visit.”
“Every person has different requirements, so having the facts accessible before a visit, each person can make an informed decision and know what we have that will support each of their individual needs.”
After the assessment a list of recommendations was sent over to the team which will allow them to make the site even more accessible in the future. They will use this guidance as they start to prepare for their second phase of building.
