Seeing the Highlands Differently: Making Scottish Tours Accessible to Everyone

The Scottish Highlands are for everyone.

That is something we genuinely believe at Avril’s Travels.

Every year, we welcome visitors from all over the world to explore the incredible scenery, history and stories of the Highlands. From cruise ship passengers stepping ashore for their first taste of Scotland, to families and private groups wanting to experience the Highlands at their own pace, our job is to make those experiences memorable.

But for some visitors, simply getting out and exploring isn't quite as straightforward. And that is something I understand personally.

Why accessibility matters to us

In 2020, I spent more than six months in a wheelchair myself. Suddenly, places that I had always taken for granted looked very different. Things that seemed simple before could become difficult, complicated or sometimes completely inaccessible. It changed the way I looked at accessibility. It also made me realise that when someone books a holiday, a cruise or a tour, they shouldn't have to wonder whether they will actually be able to enjoy the places they have travelled thousands of miles to see.

They shouldn't have to feel like an afterthought. And they certainly shouldn't have to miss out on the Highlands.

Our accessible Highland tours

That experience is one of the reasons I became such a passionate advocate for accessible tourism.

We have worked hard to develop tours and transport that can accommodate visitors with mobility difficulties, including wheelchair-accessible vehicles.

Our accessible tours are designed to allow guests to experience the Highlands comfortably, while taking into consideration the practical things that can make a huge difference — vehicle access, walking distances, suitable stopping points and the individual needs of each guest.

And because every wheelchair user is different, we don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach.

Before a tour, we are happy to discuss your requirements so that we can work out what will work best for you.

From the cruise ship to the Highlands

A large part of what we do is working with cruise passengers visiting the Scottish Highlands.

We understand that cruise excursions come with their own challenges. There can be limited time in port, security procedures, distances between the ship and transport and, for wheelchair users, additional considerations that other passengers may never need to think about. Our aim is to make that process as straightforward as possible.

Whether you're visiting Invergordon, Ullapool or the surrounding Highlands, we can work with you to create a private experience that allows you to see some of the incredible places Scotland has to offer. And you don't have to be a cruise passenger. We also provide private Highland tours for families, couples, groups and visitors staying in the area.

It's about more than the vehicle

Accessible tourism isn't simply about having a wheelchair-accessible minibus.

It's about understanding.

It's about knowing that a “short walk” might not be a short walk for everyone.

It's about considering where we stop, how far guests need to travel from the vehicle, where there are accessible facilities and how much time someone may need to enjoy a particular location.

Most importantly, it's about treating every guest as a traveller first.

We don't want accessibility to define your Highland experience.

We want you to be able to enjoy the same things everyone else has come to Scotland to see.

The dramatic mountains.

The lochs and glens.

The castles and ancient sites.

The wildlife.

The history.

The stories.

And, of course, a good Highland welcome!

Scotland should be accessible to everyone

We know there is still a long way to go when it comes to accessibility across tourism, and we certainly don't claim to have all the answers. But we can do our bit. My own experience of using a wheelchair changed my perspective enormously, and it is something I carry with me every time I welcome an accessible guest onto one of our vehicles.

If you are planning a visit to the Scottish Highlands and accessibility is something you need to consider, please get in touch with us before booking.

Tell us what you need.

Tell us about your wheelchair or mobility requirements.

Tell us what you'd love to see.

We'll do our very best to find a way to make it happen.

Because the Highlands aren't just for those who can walk the furthest.

The Highlands are for everyone.