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4
4
Date of visit: July 2026
I am a disabled person. I have experience of challenges around: a hidden impairment, accessing toilets and moving around.
I use or have experience of: changing places toilet, disabled toilet, hidden impairment, powerchair, toilet with hoist, toilets, walking aid, wheelchair
Overall Rating
Good
I popped into Stornoway Library during a trip to the Hebrides, as I do love a library. I review them often because they are a safe, warm space, often with accessible toilets, power sockets to charge devices and a great place to find local information. Oh, and there are books! Being around 300 miles away from home, it is hardly local to me, but it is still a great space all the same!
Disabled Access In and Around
Average
The front door was pinned open when I arrived, though it is labelled as an automatic door. The internal door had a touchpad. I found the library to be rather spacious inside, with navigation made easy for most, if not all, mobility devices. The reception desk has a lowered counter. The accessible toilet was on the left as I entered, through two doors. There was a stairway nearby with silver handrails on either side. Throughout the library, there are a variety of seating options.
Accessible facilities: Step-free entrance, Seating at regular intervals
Parking & Transport
Average
I travelled to this place by personal vehicle
The closest bus stop is 60 metres away on Cromwell Street. Just across from the bus stop there is public parking and EV chargers. Alternative parking, with two accessible parking spaces and EV charging, can be found 160 metres away at the South Beach Car Park.
Accessible facilities: Public or on street parking
Accessible Toilets
Average
The accessible toilet could certainly be better. Having to navigate two manual doors to access the loo can be challenging for many. The toilet pan has white rails on either side and a white seat, giving low visual contrast. There is space for a right-side transfer, though there is a narrow bin in the transfer space. The red emergency cord is to the left when seated and was not tied up. I also spotted a visual indicator on the outside of the door. The sink has a small basin and a lever-style tap. The mirror above is too high and there are no rails on either side. A plastic step was also in front of the sink. The room could accommodate a powerchair or manual wheelchair, but there is little room to turn.
Facilities: Accessible toilet
Staff
Excellent
Staff were lovely, more than happy to receive a few Red Cord Cards from me.
Additional Information
I did not spend much time in the library. I just wanted to get some content for a short review. As such, this is not a comprehensive list of all the access features, just the ones that were immediately visible to me.
