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 & 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:
How can I search for accessible places to visit in Scotland?
Whether you are planning a meal out, a weekend trip or day out to one of Scotland’s parks, there are websites and ‘apps’ that you can use in your search for an accessible venue or activity.
Euan’s Guide is a disabled access review website and app that aims to ‘remove the fear of the unknown’ and inspire people to try new places.
OpenBritain is your website that provides information on accessible tourism in the UK and includes day trips and tourist attractions.
Disabled Go provide access information on venues across the UK and Ireland.
For more information on accessible places to visit in Scotland search our Scottish Disability Directory and select the ‘Holidays/Respite’ category.
How can I get a RADAR key?
The National Key Scheme (NKS), often referred to as RADAR keys, offer 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 & 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 |
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Changing Places UK | The Changing Places Toilet UK Consortium campaign on behalf of the thousands of people with profound and multiple learning disabilities and their carers, and the many other disabled people who cannot use standard accessible toilets. Providing Changing… |
Charleston Community Centre and Library | Description There are 3 rooms available for hire. The Heather Room seats 6 people, the Saffron Room seats 16 people and the Janet Fox Hall seats 80 people. A PC, internet and wi-fi are available. Tea and coffee can be provided. Accessible facilities Di… |
City Of Glasgow Disabled Aid Specialists | We are a family run buisness since 1988 providing & specializing is disabled access ramps. We provide Free Estimates & all out Galvanised Ramps are bespoke to each client & manufactured & installed by us. We can apply for Planning Conse… |
Civil Rights First | “We aim to promote social justice with delivery to everyone in society, through a valued, tailored advice and effective advocacy service.” Civil Rights First aims to provide effective advice to all citizens, where access to justice and money advice is… |
Clober Farm (Spinal Injuries Scotland) | Description: Fully accessible living accomodation and accessible garden with patio area and raises beds, designed with wheelchair users in mind. Close to Loch Lomond and the Trossachs. Open all year. Level access throughout Sleeps 6 WiFi internet acces… |
Clydesdale Citizens Advice Bureau | Aims: To ensure that individuals do not suffer through ignorance of their rights and responsibilities or of the services available; or through an inability to express their needs. Services provided: Provide information, advice, assistance on:- Welfare… |
Coatbridge Community Centre | Accessible venue hire in Coatbridge, North Lanarkshire |
COMMTACS Training and Development | Aims: COMMTACS aims to deliver high quality training services within deaf and deafblind awareness, and communication tactics with deaf and deafblind people. Services provided: Provide high quality BSL translation services of leaflets and web video clip… |
Corran Halls | Accessible venue hire in Argyll and Bute |
Corseford Short Breaks Respite Service- Capability Scotland | Overnight respite and day services for 5-21 years with complex health and social support needs. |