What is an accessible toilet
An accessible toilet is a toilet that has been designed to accommodate people with disabilities and long term health conditions.
The purpose of an accessible toilet should be to enable disabled people to gain prompt access to facilities that might be different from regular toilets in terms of the available space, layout, equipment, flooring or lighting.
The National Key Scheme/RADAR Keys
The National Key Scheme (NKS), previously referred to as RADAR keys, offer disabled people independent access to locked public accessible toilets around the country. Toilets fitted with National Key Scheme (NKS) locks can be found in shopping centres, pubs, cafés, department stores, bus and train stations and many other places. You may also sometimes find keys called NRS Disabled Access Toilet keys which also fit NKS locks.
Where can I purchase an NKS?
You can buy from Disability Rights UK through their website. Keys cost £6, or £5 if you are eligible for VAT Relief. Additionally, some local authorities have one-stop-shops or local charities that you can get them from. You may need to provide proof of your disability when buying one. Here is a list of locations you can purchase a NKS key:
Scottish Borders
The keys are available over the counter from Council Contact Centres. Proof of disability has to be given. Search for Scottish Borders Council Contact Centres.
Edinburgh
Keys can be purchased from the Grapevine service for £5 each or posted out to you for £5.50. To collect a Radar Key from Grapevine you need to make sure that you arrange a pick-up time in advance from their offices to ensure that someone is available. Location: Norton Park, 57 Albion Road, Edinburgh, EH7 5QY.
Falkirk
You can collect an application form from your local Advice and Support Hubs If you are eligible, your first key will be provided free of charge.
Fife
You can buy Keys in person at any of the Fife locations listed below: Fife library, Fife museum or Fife theatres – maps are available on these links and keys cost £3.50.
Glasgow
You can purchase Keys from Mobility Solutions based at 75 Hawthorn Street, Glasgow G22 6HY.
Moray
Shopmobility sells radar keys. You can find them at 59 High Street, Elgin, IV30 1EE. T: 01343 552528 Radar keys cost £2.50 from this outlet.
Disability Rights UK
Disability Rights UK sell radar keys online at their online shop here:
https://shop.disabilityrightsuk.org/
or you can phone or email their shop on:
Phone: 0203 687 0790
Email: shop@disabilityrightsuk.org
Boots.com
You can also purchase keys online from Boots but you will need to search for an NRS Disabled Access Toilet key. If you click on the button to check store stock and put in your postcode then you can check which branches of Boots have the key in stock.
Changing Places
Although there are accessible toilets throughout Scotland, many people with disabilities often need extra facilities to allow them to use toilets safely and comfortably. A campaign was launched to provide toilets with enough room for a wheelchair and 2 carers, a hoist and an adult–sized, height adjustable changing bench. These are known as Changing Place Toilets, and there are roughly 150 throughout Scotland. In February 2009, Changing Places toilets were included in the British Standards BS8300, this means that they should be included in all new larger buildings and complexes such as:
- Large railway stations & airports
- Sports & leisure facilities
- Cultural centres such as concert halls and art galleries
- Shopping centres
- Health facilities such as hospitals
Each Changing Places toilet provides:
The right equipment
– a height adjustable adult-sized changing bench
– a tracking hoist system, or mobile hoist if this is not possible.
Enough space
– adequate space in the changing area for the disabled person and up to two carers
– a centrally placed toilet with room either side
– a screen or curtain to allow some privacy.
A safe and clean environment
– wide tear off paper roll to cover the bench
– a large waste bin for disposable pads
– a non-slip floor.
For further information, you can visit the Changing Places website
Where to find a Changing Places Toilet
PAMIS (an organisation helping people with profound and multiple learning disabilities) has compiled a Map of locations of changing places toilets.
Other Schemes
Just Can’t Wait
Many people have conditions which mean they often need to access a toilet urgently. Many charities have produced cards which you can use to ask for access to toilets that are not generally open to the public. Further information is available on their websites:
Comfort Scheme
In an attempt to save money, many Local Councils are closing public toilets. As an alternative, they are introducing the Comfort Partnership Schemes.
The scheme works in partnership with local businesses and amenities. During business opening hours members of the public can use their toilets free of charge. To find out what local businesses are taking part in the scheme you can search your local council website, or contact our helpline and we can help search for you.
Information last updated on 14 February 2024. Please note that information may be subject to change. All information is provided in good faith but Disability Information Scotland does not endorse any product or service referred to within this resource.
If you would like this information guide in another version then please contact us and we will post or email you a copy.
Access and Accessibility:Frequently Asked Questions
Through our helpline we receive enquiries spanning a wide range of different topics. Here is a selection of those most asked:
Council Help for Disabled People
Scottish councils have responsibilities to help disabled people and their carers who qualify for help. These include:
- Financial help
- Care needs assessments for disabled people
- Providing support for carers
- Blue Badges
- Safeguarding people who are at risk of harm
Financial help
Councils are responsible for providing financial help, including
- Housing benefit – help with rent for people over State Pension age and for some younger people in special circumstances Claim Housing Benefit – mygov.scot
- Means-tested and non means-tested help with council tax costs Working out your council tax – mygov.scot
- Lump sum payments from the Scottish Welfare Fund; Crisis Grants (usually food, energy, or heating) or Community Care Grants to help people stay in, or settle into the community. https://www.mygov.scot/scottish-welfare-fund
Social work departments have powers to help with “Section 12” payments, for adults or children in an emergency if this would save the council costs in future. They can also make payments to promote the welfare of children in need.
Councils must also have a Housing “scheme of assistance” that may give information, advice, grants, loans, and practical assistance to homeowners or, to private tenants who need disability adaptations. https://scotland.shelter.org.uk/professional_resources/legal/housing_conditions/scheme_of_assistance
Most council areas will have a Care and Repair service that will provide advice and help to older people and (in some areas) disabled people who are homeowners or private tenants. Find your local service here Office Locations | Care and Repair Scotland
Care needs assessments for disabled people
If you are disabled, your council’s social work department (or in Highland, NHS Highland) can assess your care needs, and agree a care plan to support you. The help you receive may include equipment, adaptations to your home, care at home, day care or a care home. Any help you receive that is classed as “personal care” is free.
You should be offered a choice in how your care is provided; this is called Self-directed support. Your options within your budget form the council are:
- 1 – a direct payment to you or someone else (such as a care agency) to pay for your own support
- 2 – you arrange the support
- 3 – the local council arranges the support
- 4 – a mix of the above
Support for carers
The Carers (Scotland) Act gives carers a right to support from their local council. A carer is anyone who is not paid for their caring and looks after a friend, family member or neighbour who is disabled. You do not have to be caring for a specific number of hours to be a carer.
Your local Carers Centre can explain what help is available locally. Any help a carer received from their local council is free. Find your local Carers Centre here https://www.careinfoscotland.scot/topics/support-for-carers/carer-centres/ and find out more about carers rights here https://www.careinfoscotland.scot/topics/support-for-carers/
Blue Badges
A Blue Badges provides parking concessions for on-street parking, some car parks, and disabled parking bays, allowing badge holders to park close to where they need to go
A Blue Badge belongs to a person, not a vehicle, so they can travel as a driver or a passenger. Find out more about Blue Badges here: https://www.mygov.scot/apply-blue-badge/eligibility
Protecting people who are at risk of harm
Councils have powers under the Adult Support and Protection (Scotland) Act 2007 to protect adults who cannot look after their own safety and security and are at risk of harm because of disability, mental disorder, illness, physical or mental infirmity, sexual harm or institutional harm.
“Harm” means injury or damage and includes self-harm, neglect and abuse.
Councils and other public services (such as Police) will work together to support people. You can find out more here https://www.gov.scot/policies/social-care/adult-support-and-protection/
If you are worried that someone at risk of harm, you can find your local social work department here
Contact your council
You can find details of your council and its services here Organisations – mygov.scot
How can I get a RADAR key?
The National Key Scheme (NKS), often referred to as RADAR keys, offers disabled people independent access to locked public accessible toilets around the country. You can buy from Disability Rights UK either over the phone or through their website.
You can also purchase RADAR keys through some chemists and online.
For further information see our Accessible Toilets information guide or the Disability Rights UK website.
Call the Disability Information Scotland helpline on: 0300 323 9961
Access and Accessibility:Search for Local Organisations
Our quick search tool can connect you to over 3000 service providers, suppliers and organisations supporting people across Scotland. To find support near you, simply enter your search term and select your local authority.
| Organisation | Description |
|---|---|
| 25% ME Group | Aims: To offer support and advocacy services to severely affected M.E. sufferers and their carers. Services provided: Advocacy via telephone, or face-to-face (locally) only Helpline for members and their carers offering emotional support Newsletters tw… |
| 27000 | We are open 8 till 8pm all week and weekends however if you need us please email and we will be happy to help. ‘A venue for hire in the heart of Hamilton’ Our venue is available for the whole community and we aim to keep the costs down. A Space… |
| AAT (GB) Ltd | Description of service and products sold: Provide solutions for climbing stairs using powered stair climbers and stair climbing equipment, as well as evacuation and help with disabled access issue. They can also provide information on the Disability Di… |
| Aberdeen Airport Disabled Access Guide | Access guide detailing facilities for disabled people at Aberdeen Airport |
| Aberdeenshire North Access Panel | Aims: To assist and advise in the creation and maintenance of access provision for persons with a disability throughout Aberdeenshire North with reference to buildings, environment and access approaches in general. Services provided: Disability awarene… |
| Aberfoyle Memorial Hall | Description There is a large hall which has a maximum capacity of 100 and a small hall that has a maximum capacity for 20 people. Kitchen facilities available. No catering services. Accessible facilities No disabled parking and only 4 spaces. More car… |
| Ability Shetland | Ability Shetland is a charity which provides direct support to children, families and adults with disabilities and additional support needs. Responding to identified needs, we run groups and clubs and outreach support to individuals. We help people wit… |
| Able Deen | Loan of mobility equipment, safe space, signposting |
| Adapt-IT | Description of service: Adapt-IT are suppliers of assistive technology, including, specialist computer equipment, software, and services. Do you have difficulties using your computer because of a physical or neurological condition? We can help you find… |
| ALISS | ALISS is a national digital programme enabling people and professionals to find and share information on resources, services, groups, and support in their local communities and online. ALISS can help you find information about resources like: services… |
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