Accessibility guide
There are multiple sections to this guide. Use the headings at the top of the guide, or the arrows at the bottom of each page, to navigate.
General overview
Indoor layout
All public areas are accessible by wheelchair. This includes guided tours and the public galleries.
Parking
Blue Badge disabled parking is available on Horse Wynd, opposite the Parliament's main public entrance. Spaces are not bookable in advance as they’re managed by the City of Edinburgh Council.
Visitors with mobility access needs may use the Horse Wynd Parking spaces or the Dynamic Earth turning circle as a pick up and drop off point.
Read the 'getting here' section for more details.
Bus stops and taxis
Lothian Buses run one service that stops at the Parliament, the number 35. The nearest stop is outside our building, called Scottish Parliament, and is located on the Royal Mile in the Canongate.
There is a taxi rank outside the Parliament, on the corner of Horse Wynd. Staff can help arrange a taxi for you.
Read the 'getting here' section for more details.Wheelchairs and portable seating
Wheelchairs and lightweight portable seating are available for use inside the building from the Visitor Information Desk. Wheelchairs can be reserved by contacting Visitor Services.
Hearing loops
Hearing loops are fitted throughout the public areas. Portable hearing loops can be provided for use on a guided tour or talk.
Audio enhancement
Audio enhancement headsets can be requested from the visitor information desk. These can be used to watch parliamentary business or for a guided tour or talk.
Assistance dogs
Assistance dogs are welcome and water bowls are available from the visitor information desk.
Tactile resources
There are various tactile objects that can be used to enhance a guided tour.
Braille is present on signage throughout the building and on information leaflets that can be requested.
Information resources
Information leaflets on the Scottish Parliament are available in various formats including audio, large print and Braille.
British Sign Language (BSL)
We have a BSL map to guide you around the Parliament.
If you need a BSL interpreter, please contact Visitor Services 2 weeks before your visit. A BSL interpreter could support with:
First Ministers’ Questions has live BSL interpretation. Our exhibition also features BSL content.
Some Scottish Parliament staff can use BSL and may be able to answer questions about what you can do on your visit. However, staff who know BSL may not always be available.
Toilets and baby changing facilities
There are several accessible toilets and a Changing Places toilet with a hoist and changing bench. There are also baby changing and feeding facilities.
Emergency evacuation
In an emergency the building may need to be evacuated. Please inform Visitor Services if you will need help in the event of an evacuation.
Guided tours
Guided tours normally last for 45 minutes. However, Visitor Services staff can take you on a route that is best suited to you if required. Lightweight portable seating is available.
It’s fine if you need to leave the tour at any point. A staff member will escort you back to the public area.
Autism
Some of our staff have been trained to support autistic people. They promote Autistic Spectrum Condition (ASC) awareness throughout the parliamentary service. They are also a point of contact for Members of the Scottish Parliament (MSPs) and their staff seeking advice on visits to the Parliament by groups or individuals with ASC. If you are planning a visit and would like support, please contact us.
There are more details about what you can expect when visiting the building throughout the rest of this guide.
WelcoME app
We are a WelcoME destination and you can use their app to book your visit and let us know your accessibility needs ahead of time. You do not need to use this app to let us know your accessibility needs, you can also get in touch directly with us.
Get in touch
If you have accessibility needs that aren’t covered here, or need more information, you are welcome to contact Visitor Services. We can talk you through all aspects of your visit, to help make it easy and enjoyable for you.
- Email: visit@parliament.scot
- Phone: 0131 348 5000
- Freephone: 0800 092 7600
- BSL video relay service via the contactSCOTLAND-BSL website
Further details
The rest of this guide goes into further details about what you can expect during your visit. Use the arrow below to move on to the next page.
Air adhart
Getting here