Forest Enterprise Scotland’s Kirroughtree Visitor Centre in Galloway Forest Park has won high plaudits for the disabled access facilities.
The team was delighted to receive a letter of praise from Laura Rutherford following the family’s visit last month (May) with their two children, one of whom is disabled.
Laura, said;“In lots of ways our family is just like your average family – two frazzled, but happy parents and two happy-go-lucky children – Brody, 5, and Sydney, 2.
“But Brody is disabled and is still in nappies and this can make helping him to enjoy a full range of experiences both frustrating and isolating due to a lack of accessibility.”
Laura explained that toileting for thousands of children and adults in the UK requires and adult sized changing bench and a hoist. Without these ‘changing places’ facilities, parents and carers are forced to change loved ones in car boots and toilet floors. The alternative to this is cutting a visit short – or not going out at all.
Laura added;
“The facilities at the Kirroughtree Visitor Centre are a real life-changer for us. We holiday in Carrick every year because we love it, but part of the reason we come back is because we know that the changing places facility nearby.
“It means that much to us.
“We feel included when we visit the centre and more importantly, it means our son keeps his dignity and the whole family can enjoy a full day out.
“Thank you Kirroughtree Visitor Centre for thinking of families like mine. Accessibility makes all the difference to inclusion.”
Kirroughtree has a play park, café and a fantastic accessible walk, where the gravel path is wide, flat and firm for wheelchairs and buggies.
There are no obstacles, just lovely views. It even has an accessible wild watch hide.
If you’re visiting the area, it is really worth a visit.
