Highland Hospitality
5
5
Date of visit: March 2026
I have experience of challenges around: moving around
I use or have experience of: powerchair
Overall Rating
Excellent
This was our second visit to the Saltire Bistro following recent castle renovations and it was absolutely brilliant. I've given it an 'excellent' rating as although it wasn't completely perfect, the outstanding areas more than made up for that. I didn't visit the Castle Experience itself but I will do that soon and report back. So much thought has gone into making this historic venue accessible and it shows. The venue is spacious and light and the welcome from staff is sincere; they thanked me for visiting as I left and these tiny touches make all the difference to the experience. The views over the town and the River Ness are incredible with windows and viewpoints strategically placed for good wheelchair viewing both inside the venue and outside. We had coffees, herbal teas and lavender Kombucha; all were great. I had medical needs I needed to attend to (ventilator needs); the staff are also discreet and helpful here too and struck exactly the right balance.
Disabled Access In and Around
Good
The Saltire Bistro is on one level, ramped with large automatic doors to both entrances/exits. The only area which was difficult for me were the heavy manual doors out to the viewpoint from the back of the restaurant although I'm sure the staff would anticipate that you needed assistance here. There is a ramped pathway outside to a lovely view over the town and river. There is a steep pathway up to the castle itself although I'm sure if you phoned ahead, someone would meet you to help. I'm not sure if there are wheelchairs available for use here but there is seating throughout the grounds.
Accessible facilities: Step-free access to most areas, Step-free entrance, Single-level venue, Seating at regular intervals
Parking & Transport
Good
I travelled to this place by walk or wheel
There are six disabled parking spaces available for different time slots depending upon your visit. You have to phone in advance for someone to meet you to guide you in with hazard lights on as there are people walking in the castle grounds. There is also public parking on Castle Street with disabled spaces and in Eastgate Car Park, about 5 minutes wheel away.. There is a bus stop across the road from the castle and it's about 5 minutes wheel from the train station.
Accessible facilities: Drop-off or pick up point, Dedicated on-site parking, Public or on street parking
Accessible Toilets
Excellent
Both the disabled toilet and the Changing Places Toilets were absolutely spotless and roomy. The Changing Places toilet in particular is fantastic, lots of room, hoist, bench, screen, height adjustable sink, clothes hooks, large mirror etc. It made things so much easier and it was so clean and roomy that you wouldn't think twice about sorting out medical needs here, it actually felt cleaner than a lot of hospital wards I've been to.....
Facilities: Accessible toilet, Changing Places toilet, Changing Places toilet with shower
Staff
Excellent
On both my visits, staff have been lovely. There is a reception desk as you come in the main entrance where someone will take you to a table best suited to your needs and help with your order. We came in the side entrance on the second visit and seated ourselves but the person from the reception desk saw us and came down to offer assistance and information. They made me feel really welcome.
Comments
justjules
26 Mar 2026
What an awesome review! This venue sounds magical, what stunning photos - I want to go!
