Overview

This was a well planned, well presented and well conceived event in conjunction with PAMIS and Euan’s Guide for Disabled Access Day. Being old fashioned and a bit of a traditionalist, the Gallery it’s contents and exhibitions were not my cup of tea, though I was surprised and inspired by much of what I saw, experienced and able to appreciate. The NG of Scotland have made a really big statement on inclusion and accessibility by opening on this DAD a fully equipped Changing Places toilet to compliment their other disabled access facilities. The former John Watson School for girls is large, spacious and well laid out over 3 floors, the ground and upper being divided into halls and rooms for exhibits of paintings, sculpture and laid out works. On the ground floor usage is made of the corridors as exhibit space leading to a well provisioned, well stocked shop, sales of exhibitors work and accessible resource areas - this is where the PAMIS sensory storytelling took place.The lower floor is where the toilets are located and a wide accessibility cafe, there are lockers, a buggy and chair area available. The catering provision is Heritage Portfolio so the standards, range of foods of quality and service are high, as was the case. Overall a popular venue for its large outdoor areas, water features and it’s packed events guide throughout the seasons and the year. The cafe and the Gallery were populated by children of all ages and stages and there programmes for younger one and those a bit Oder that are learning, experiential and thought provoking. To say this is a venue I would return to would be understated, its fantastic, welcoming, attentive and available staff who are well informed and always on hand - recognising those with additional needs.

Transport & Parking

Being a former school there is ample parking space as well as dedicated disabled parking with ramp access to the entrance. Although there is no Lothian Bus service that passes the Gallery Edinburgh Coach Lines No13 is available on both sides of Belford Road. There is a shuttle bus with disabled space and access that leaves from the Mound Galleries and visits the Portrait and Gallery of Modern Art campus.. There is a donation requested of £1 per journey as it’s a charitable run service - brilliant and runs every 30 mins.

Access

Into the building is by ramp and all areas are fully accessible for any mobility aid. There is large lift to each of the floors, the disabled toilets are fully and well provisioned, serviced and with the changing places provision. on each foor all the exhibit rooms and halls are on one level. There is induction loop, BSL provision Braille and large print directories available.

Toilets

The newly opened Changing places loo was excellent as were the other facilities, fully provisioned and serviced. The signage was unobtrusive but clearly marked throughout the Gallery.

Staff

I strongly sensed and experienced this a well trained, motivated and knowledgeable workforce who have customer service and provision as their prime benchmark. From the opening of of the door to enter or leave, thoughtful and informative reception and event staff, some of whom were volunteers, uniformed staff throughout the Gallery made it a thoroughly positive, enjoyable and inclusive experience. I have left the main course of the DAD event till the last as this was a completely holistic, sensory story experience incorporating themes of Spring, the Gallery, it’s outdoor areas and the performing arts in relation to the story. The thoughtful presentation by PAMIS enabled it to promote and evoke experiences of the turbulence this season can bring in weather, the message of growth, regeneration, and the onset of summer. Those of us who attended were met with a wonderful array of sensory experiences. The 30 mins could have easily been extended but it was experiential in every way.

Anything else you wish to tell us?

Overall, hats off to the Guide and the hosts with their helpers for making this an event I did not expect, was inspired by and would look forward to attending again.