Minister for Equalities visits Euan's Guide

We were delighted to welcome Ms Kaukab Stewart MSP, the Minister for Equalities, to Euan’s Guide this week. It was a fantastic opportunity to showcase our work and discuss the real-world barriers still facing the disabled community across Scotland and the UK.

The Minister’s visit served as the backdrop for an exciting national announcement: the naming of the recipients of the Improving Access Fund. This £1.5 million fund is a key part of the Scottish Government’s Disability Equality Plan and is designed to support projects that promote independent living, choice, and participation for disabled people.

Sharing Our Impact

During the visit, we gave the Minister a deep dive into Euan’s Guide—who we are and why we do what we do. We discussed how our reviewer community is the heartbeat of our charity, sharing their own experiences of access to provide information that allows other disabled people to visit new places with confidence.

We also spoke about the vital importance of disabled access information. It isn't just a "nice to have"; for many, it is the difference between a successful day out and being forced to stay at home.

The ‘Accessibility Time Tax’

A major talking point was the findings from our recently published 2025 Access Survey. We shared a new and sobering concept with the Minister: the Accessibility Time Tax.

Our research found that:

One in ten disabled people spend more than six hours a week just planning routine activities.

80% of respondents said that checking venue accessibility increases their stress and anxiety.

54% of people feel excluded or left behind as a result of this accessibility time tax burden.

We explained to the Minister that this "tax" on time and emotional energy is a systemic barrier. When venues fail to provide clear, accurate information online, they aren't just being unhelpful—they are actively taking away a disabled person's time and autonomy.

A staggering 85% of disabled people said that better access information would significantly reduce the impact of the accessibility time tax on their lives, allowing them to plan with confidence and participate fully in everyday life.

Looking Forward

Minister Kaukab Stewart’s visit highlights a shared commitment to making Scotland a more inclusive place. We were heartened to hear her support for the "lived experience" model that Euan’s Guide champions.

As the Minister noted during her visit:

“We are determined that Scotland is a country where disabled people can live the lives they choose - supported, empowered, and included every step of the way.”

We are excited at Euan’s Guide to use our Improving Access Fund to supercharge our volunteering programme across Scotland. By expanding our network of dedicated volunteers, we can provide even more of the vital information needed to break down the Accessibility Time Tax. Together with our volunteers and the venues we review, our aim is that everyone has the freedom to explore their communities with confidence.

Want to help? You can help reduce the Time Tax by leaving a review of a place you’ve visited on EuansGuide.com. Your words could save someone else hours of stressful research!