Availability of Disabled Access on the Island of Cumbrae
The Isle of Cumbrae like many Scottish islands has a very active and vibrant community which sustains the life-blood of the community. Unfortunately as a group of adults with learning disabilities we find that we can be excluded from certain activities that take place by virtue of our being "different" and we find that access to buildings can prevent us ‘joining in’ also. This is not to say that the wider community are not friendly, on the contrary. As access to a number of places can be quite restrictive, particularly the local library, we as a group wrote to North Ayrshire Council on this very subject and received a very positive reply which you can see if you attend our Launch Event on the 22nd March 2004 in the Age Concern Hall, Millport. The letter from the council wished us every success in our venture and we remain optimistic and open minded that our leaflet will bring positive change. If you have any comments regarding this please do not hesitate to contact us.
As research for our leaflet we visited certain tourist sites including The Marine Biological Station. This facility has been in existence for almost 120 years and is a must for anyone who visits the island. It is accessible by wheelchair users and at £1.50 per adult is not to be missed.
The Smillie Centre, opposite the crazy golf, also hosts talks, films, exhibitions and other events and has wheelchair access through the Card and Gift Shop ( see at www.millportscotland.com). An accessible toilet is on site too.
The Museum of The Cumbrae’s is presently situated in temporary accommodation
behind the Garrison and has wheelchair access via a ramp. It has displays
of Millport memorabilia.
Telephone first and check opening times for each of these - their numbers
are on the useful telephone numbers page.
The local bus is also accessible by way of a ramp for those who use a wheelchair. For anyone else with mobility problems, the platform can be lowered to allow easy access on and off the bus. Additionally the drivers are very helpful and will assist if required.
Most of the shops as well as some Restaurants and Cafés also have level access but unfortunately some do not have lifts to upper floors or accessible loos; but if you can put up with this Millport is well worth a visit. Hurry up all you business people on the island, remember you have to address accessibility as part of the Disability Discrimination Act by the year 2005!