Guest reviewer Lucy went to the Isle of Skye and here’s part 1 of her story on its beauty and accessibility- A distillery was first on the list!!
The Talisker Distillery is one of Skye’s most popular attractions. Perched on the water’s edge in the village of Carbost, it’s on the west coast of the island, a half an hour drive from the main town of Portree.
Apart from its stunning location, the distillery looks rather diminutive from the outside, but inside boasts a recently refurbished and accessible visitors’ centre.
We turned up to Talisker on a wet Sunday morning in March, before it had officially opened for the summer season, but a member of staff called Mike – or Mick, I can’t quite remember – very kindly took us and another group of tourists on a shortened tour of the distillery.
Mick was very knowledgable and engaging, taking us through the history of the distillery and an in-depth journey through the ancient whisky-making process. The tour ended with a group whisky tasting where even the most uncultured members of the group refined our whisky palates. After the tour I recommend treating yourself to a couple more drams of whisky at the bar. It’s a real treat to be able to enjoy Talisker on the site where it’s been made for nearly 200 years.
Mick/Mike told me that the recent refurbishment had been designed with accessibility in mind; the only part of the distillery with no step-free access is the upper tub room on the second or third floor, which contains the whisky stills which can’t be moved. There is, however, full and considered access to every other stage of the distilling process.
There are smooth and wide floors throughout, as you can see in the photos. Doors have been widened for wheelchairs, and there is a functional disabled loo and accessible lift. There is disabled parking available. Staff have been trained and seem confident, clued up and forthcoming about addressing the potential needs of visitors.
They get 2.5 BBS Ticks for exceptional style & access and are nominated for a Blue Badge Access Award