16 Accessible Edinburgh: A Festival Guide Resources 17
Gig Buddies
http://www.gigbuddies.org.uk/This fantastic organisation aims to link music fans who have
a learning disability with other music lovers for gig nights, or
whatever other activities they enjoy doing together. This year,
Gig Buddies is working with the Festival Fringe Society to extend
their services to Fringe audiences. Whether you are a person with
a learning disability looking to visit the Fringe, or you are look-
ing for a volunteering opportunity with the Gig Buddies project
in Edinburgh and Mid-Lothian, contact Sam Maggs at samuel.
[email protected], by phone on 07738-486 001, or visit the Gig
Buddies Facebook page.Lothian LGBT Helpline
0300 123 2523; http://www.lgbt-helpline-scotland.org.uk; noon-9pm
Tue & WedToilets
Throughout this guide, reference is made to RADAR keys. The
National Key Scheme (NKS), previously known as the Royal As-
sociation for Disability Rights (RADAR) Scheme, was introduced
to prevent accessible toilets being damaged or misused. Some
local councils will provide this key free or for a small charge;
others charge about £5, including postage and packing. They
can also be bought for a similar price from Disability Rights UK
(https://crm.disabilityrightsuk.org/radar-nks-key).
If you need a fully accessible Changing Places toilet, search
here: http://changingplaces.uktoiletmap.org/find?toiletLoca-
tion=Edinburgh.Western General Hospital
0131-537 1000; http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk; Crewe Rd South;
8am-9pmFor non-life-threatening injuries and ailments, you can attend
the Minor Injuries Clinic here without having to make an
appointment.Access Guides
Euan’s Guide (www.euansguide.com) Our partner in produc-
tion, Euan’s Guide is the crowd-sourced disabled access review
website and app that aims to ‘remove the fear of the unknown’
and inspire people to try new places. Read their introduction to
Edinburgh here: https://www.euansguide.com/reviews/scot-
land/edinburgh-city-of/edinburgh/.
Historic Scotland (https://www.historicenvironment.scot/me-
dia/2613/access-guide.pdf) A 127-page guide to more than 80
historic sites across Scotland, including 10 in Edinburgh and the
Lothians.
Sage Traveling (www.sagetraveling.com/edinburgh-handi-
capped-accessible-travel-keys-to-success) Top tips for a success-
ful trip to Edinburgh from wheelchair-travelling veteran, John Sage.
VisitScotland (https://www.visitscotland.com/holidays-breaks/
accessible/) Scotland’s national tourism organisation is at the
forefront of promoting accessible tourism. This is the accessi-
ble holidays landing page, where you will find information about
accessible accommodation, attractions and activities.
Edinburgh Airport Information Centre
0131-473 3690; http://www.edinburghairport.com; Edinburgh Airport;
7.30am-7.30pm Mon-Fri, to 8pm Sat & Sun
VisitScotland Information Centre in the airport’s terminal
extension.
Edinburgh Royal Infirmary
0131-536 1000; http://www.nhslothian.scot.nhs.uk; 51 Little France
Cres, Old Dalkeith Rd; 24hr
Edinburgh’s main general hospital; has 24-hour accident and
emergency department.
General
Artlink (0131 229 3555; http://www.artlinkedinburgh.co.uk/)) Offers a
companion service for people who have difficulty attending arts
performances on their own.
Edinburgh Festival Guide (www.edinburghfestivalcity.com)
Everything you need to know about Edinburgh’s many festivals.
Lonely Planet (www.lonelyplanet.com/edinburgh) Destination
information and hotel bookings; great for planning.
The List (www.list.co.uk) Local listings and reviews for restau-
rants, bars, clubs and theatres.