When people think of Scotland, they often picture rugged coastlines, majestic castles, and lively cultural festivals. While these attractions undoubtedly draw millions of visitors each year, there’s a quieter revolution taking place that’s crucial to ensuring everyone can enjoy Scotland’s beauty: the expansion of Changing Places toilets – a cornerstone of inclusive tourism.
Understanding Inclusive Tourism
Inclusive tourism means making travel accessible to everyone, regardless of their physical or cognitive abilities. This concept goes far beyond wheelchair ramps or hearing loops.
It includes providing appropriate toilet and changing facilities for people with complex disabilities, facilities that standard accessible toilets simply cannot accommodate.
What Are Changing Places Toilets?
Changing Places toilets are larger, fully-equipped restrooms designed for individuals who cannot use standard accessible toilets. Each facility includes a height-adjustable changing bench, a ceiling track hoist system, enough space for carers, and a privacy screen. These amenities are not a luxury but a necessity for many people and their families. Without them, outings and holidays can become difficult, if not impossible.
Why Scotland Needs More of These Facilities
Scotland has made significant strides in promoting inclusive tourism. From improved public transport accessibility to tactile museum tours, the nation is working to ensure everyone feels welcome. However, without adequate Changing Places toilets, entire communities are still excluded from exploring many destinations.
Imagine planning a family trip to the Highlands, only to discover that the nearest suitable toilet facility is hours away. This not only limits the freedom of disabled individuals but also discourages families from choosing Scotland as a holiday destination. By contrast, increasing the availability of Changing Places toilets can open up entire regions for tourism, helping local businesses and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Supporting Scotland’s Tourism Industry
Tourism is a vital sector in Scotland, contributing over £11 billion to the economy and supporting thousands of jobs. By investing in inclusive infrastructure, the country can tap into a wider audience, including the 14 million disabled people in the UK and millions more internationally who often travel with family or carers.
The Purple Pound (the spending power of disabled households) is estimated at £274 billion per year in the UK alone. By catering to this demographic through inclusive tourism practices, including the provision of Changing Places toilets, Scotland can attract new visitors and foster repeat tourism.
Current Progress and Ongoing Challenges
As of 2025, there are now over 60 Changing Places toilets located in key destinations throughout Scotland, including Edinburgh Airport, the V&A Dundee, and the Cairngorms National Park. However, coverage remains inconsistent. Rural areas, in particular, lag behind, despite their immense potential for tourism.
To fully embrace inclusive tourism, Scotland must ensure these facilities are not limited to major cities. National funding programmes and planning policies that require Changing Places toilets in public buildings are steps in the right direction. Further collaboration between the tourism industry, local councils, and disability advocates will be key to expanding access.
The Human Impact
Beyond the economic arguments, there’s a simple truth: accessibility equals dignity. For people with complex disabilities, having access to a Changing Places toilet can mean the difference between participating in society or being excluded from it. By investing in these facilities, Scotland sends a powerful message that all visitors are valued, respected, and included.
Want to Bring a Changing Places Toilet to Your Venue? Funding is Now Open
The Scottish Government’s £10 million Changing Places Toilets Fund is now open to support new installations across Scotland. If your venue serves the public and currently lacks a fully accessible toilet, you could be eligible for funding—covering both project and development costs. At Innova, we can help with every step of the process, from design to installation and application support.
Fill out the form below to get started.
FAQs
1. What is a Changing Places toilet?
A Changing Places toilet is a fully accessible restroom with specialist equipment such as a changing bench and ceiling hoist, designed for people with complex or multiple disabilities.
2. How do Changing Places toilets support inclusive tourism?
They enable people with high support needs to travel and participate in leisure activities by ensuring they have access to safe and dignified toilet facilities.
3. Where can I find Changing Places toilets in Scotland?
They are available in key locations including major cities, visitor centres, airports, and some national parks. The official Changing Places website provides a full map of locations.
4. Why are standard accessible toilets not enough?
Standard accessible toilets do not offer the space or equipment necessary for individuals who need help from carers or who require a hoist or adult-sized changing bench.
5. What more can be done to promote inclusive tourism in Scotland?
Continued investment in accessible infrastructure, training for tourism providers, and more Changing Places toilets, especially in rural and heritage sites, will help make Scotland truly inclusive.
