72 Accessible Edinburgh: A Festival Guide Sights 73
The golden stone and striking modern architecture of the new
building, opened in 1998, is one of the city’s most distinctive
landmarks. The five floors of the museum trace the history of
Scotland from geological beginnings to the 1990s, with many
imaginative and stimulating exhibits – audioguides are available
in several languages.
The new building connects with the original Victorian museum,
dating from 1861, the stolid, grey exterior of which gives way to
a beautifully bright and airy, glass-roofed exhibition hall. The old
building houses an eclectic collection covering natural history, ar-
chaeology, scientific and industrial technology, and the decorative
arts of ancient Egypt, Islam, China, Japan, Korea and the West.
There is level access by the main doors on Chambers St,
where there are four designated public parking spaces for
PWDs, and the tower entrance at the corner of Chambers St
and George IV Bridge. Most reviewers recommend taking public
transport as the bus stops directly outside the museum.
Wheelchairs and folding chairs are available for loan. There
are induction loops at the information desk, in the auditorium
and in the Dunfermline room lecture theatre, and large-print
signs on the exhibits. Assistance dogs are welcome. There are
plenty of accessible toilets, with at least one on every level. To
arrange a tour with handling opportunities or BSL interpretation,
email [email protected] or call 0131-247 4041, giving at least
three weeks’ notice.
National War Museum of Scotland
http://www.nms.ac.uk; admission incl in Edinburgh Castle ticket;
9.45am-5.45pm Apr-Oct, to 4.45pm Nov-Mar; buses 23, 27,
41, 42
At the western end of Edinburgh Castle, to the left of the castle
tearooms, a road leads down to the National War Museum of
Scotland, which brings Scotland’s military history vividly to life.
The exhibits have been personalised by telling the stories of the
original owners of the objects on display, making it easier to em-
pathise with the experiences of war than any dry display of dusty
weaponry ever could.
For access information, see Edinburgh Castle (p64). Note
that access requires crossing a cobbled area.
Parliament Hall
0131-348 5355; 11 Parliament Sq; 10am-4pm Mon-Fri; buses 2,
23, 27, 41, 42, 45
This magnificent 17th-century hall, with original oak hammer-
beam roof, is where the old Scottish Parliament met before its
dissolution in 1707. Now used by lawyers and their clients as a
meeting place, it’s open to the public. As you enter from Parlia-
ment Sq (there’s a sign outside saying ‘Parliament Hall; Court of
Session’) you’ll see the reception desk in front of you; the hall is
through the double doors immediately on your right. Parliament
Hall (together with a Parliament Sq) is now a Fringe venue.People’s Story
http://www.edinburghmuseums.org.uk; 163 Canongate; 10am-5pm
Mon-Sat year-round, noon-5pm Sun Aug; bus 35One of the surviving symbols of the Canongate district’s former
independence is the Canongate Tolbooth. Built in 1591 it served
successively as a collection point for tolls (taxes), a council
house, a courtroom and a jail. With picturesque turrets and a
projecting clock, it’s an interesting example of 16th-century ar-
chitecture. It now houses a fascinating museum called the Peo-
ple’s Story, which covers the life, work and pastimes of ordinary
Edinburgh folk from the 18th century to today.
The ground and 1st floors are fully accessible, but not the 2nd
floor nor the video room.Scotch Malt Whisky Society
http://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk; 354 Castlehill; adult/child
incl tour & tasting £14.50/7.25; 10am-6pm Apr-Aug, to 5pm Sep-
Mar; buses 23, 27, 41, 42A former school houses this multimedia centre explaining the
making of whisky from barley to bottle in a series of exhibits,
demonstrations and talks that combine sight, sound and smell,
including the world’s largest collection of malt whiskies (3384
bottles!). More expensive tours include more extensive whisky
tastings and samples of Scottish cuisine. There’s also a restau-
rant that serves traditional Scottish dishes with, where possible,
a dash of whisky thrown in.
This venue ticks all the boxes and gets rave reviews on Eu-
an’s Guide. Wheelchair access is good in all areas, and the
barrel car ride is also wheelchair-accessible. Tours are fully
guided with excellent descriptions of the production process,
which will aid visually impaired visitors; there’s even a ‘nosing
and tasting elements...accompanied by aromas to stimulate
the senses’! Printed material is available for deaf and hear-
ing-impaired visitors and visual imagery is used during the