Overview

Moniack Mhor is a blissful place to be for anyone, but for this old and gorgeous period building, accessibility was always going to be a challenge. Luckily, it was a challenge the wonderful team were up for, and while there were a few moments we needed help with, overall myself, my carer (mum for short) and my assistance dog, could not have been happier with our experience. What the place lacked in turning circles, it made up for in caring people ready to help. My dog had an awesome week, toileting space galore, beautiful wide lawns to exercise on, and plenty of space to sit next to me in the living room etc. The local routes were thought about, but weren’t super accessible for the power chair as it is the countryside after all. I bet a K2 trekenetic would find it a doddle. My dietary needs were ridiculously well catered for. I don’t think I’ve ever said “that’s so sweet” so many times before in my life; and I know some very sweet people. As I’m sure many people have testified, the course was incredible and the house and grounds unbeatable in beauty and comfort. Without a carer I may have struggled significantly more, but as it is, every issue we came across is one that Moniack have been able to adapt to help future guests. They even widened the pathway to the little Hobbit-esque house specifically for me! The bedroom and bathroom were both ground floor. The bedroom was almost perfect. I’m not sure I could have used the wardrobe from my chair, but luckily for me I didn’t need to. I was stuck in bed for our Burns Night feast and got to watch the piper match past my window and then had my Burns Night dinner arrive via my carer. I joined them via my robot avatar (No Isolation’s AV1) and even got to say the Selkirk Grace. The toilet... oh the irony that this was a sticking point! I have a very long chair when the back pack is on and I’m reclined slightly and the massive legs are on... so I think most chairs would manage the turn easier than mine. I struggled to get into the actual toilet, but I used my portable commode in the bedroom that my mum emptied for me. It’s a lovely big bathroom, but a fairly narrow corridor to turn in. It’s worth keeping in mind. The main rooms of the house were super duper accessible and the table was easy to drive under etc. You may need someone to help open doors. We were given a full tour and trialled moving around on day 1.

Transport & Parking

It’s in the middle of nowhere in Scotland... it’s as easy to get to as you’d expect. But my mum and I aren’t known for navigation skills, and we got there pretty easily. There’s plenty of parking space.

Access

The few things we struggled with have been reviewed by the team and hopefully will not be issues for people in the future. It was more accessible than a lot of modern venues to be honest.

Toilets

As mentioned above, it’s not super accessible to big chairs, but once you’re in it’s nice and spacious.

Staff

The most lovely group of people! They couldn’t do enough to help us. One thing is for certain, the staff’s care and want to help make our experience the best it possibly could be. They weren’t intrusive helping, but they made sure we were never far away from a set of hands should we need them. Whatever Moniack sacrificed in accessibility for its period charm and ethereal time travel feel, the staff made up for by the barrel load in a kind and considerate way.

Photos