Great new accessible contemporary art space with stunning views
4.5
4.5
Date of visit: January 2019
I have experience of challenges around: speaking or communicating
Overall Rating
Excellent
Last year the collective opened their new space at the top Calton Hill, one of Edinburgh’s best loved tourist attractions. I will be up front, although I believe there are ramps the whole way up to the top, they may be steep and therefore not too accessible. I am unsure if you are able to drive up to the hill now, so you may want to check this out if you fancy visiting. In saying that once at the Collective it is really accessible with appropriate ramps and stunning views. The staff were really happy and would answer any question that you may have.
Disabled Access In and Around
Excellent
In the galley itself I thought the access was brilliant as ramps where incorporated with existing steps. The different galleries (I think there’s three different rooms/gallery spaces) are not overly big, so space might be tight depending how busy the rooms are and what’s being exhibited. The views are the reason that many people visit the gallery, and I love the way that the ground was flat and you had uninterrupted views across to the castle and the east of the city (as well to the forth bridges, if you’re lucky) and it doesn’t matter what height you are.
Parking & Transport
Average
I walked up from the entrance beside Greenside Parish Church off Royal Terrance, this is a steep slope and took me just under 5 minutes to get up. At regular intervals drainage is across the path, this could be tricky for some people. Latest bus stops are on London Road, or regent road.
Accessible Toilets
Good
There are toilets below the restaurant called The Lookout, however there is a step up to them. However in the restaurant I noticed there was an accessible toilet. I did not use the restaurant or that toilet.
Staff
Excellent
Very friendly and happy to be there.
Additional Information
The shop had a good stock of interesting stuff, better than the normal tourist tat you find in the city. There is also a coffee/takeaway stand at the entrance if you fancy a hot drink and or a biscuit etc.
