Shetland warmly welcomes all visitors and strives to make our beautiful islands accessible to everyone. With a variety of facilities and attractions designed for all to enjoy, we want to ensure your experience is as seamless as possible. To meet your specific needs and avoid disappointment, we kindly recommend you contact your accommodation, transport and tour providers before your trip to discuss your requirements.
Getting to Shetland
NorthLink Ferries have accessible cabins, lifts, Changing Places toilets and wheelchair-accessible restaurants. Accessible cabins can be booked by phoning +44 (0)800 111 4422 or emailing reservations@northlinkferries.co.uk. You can also book an accessible cabin online by switching on the ‘Please show accessible cabins’ button on the ‘Accommodation’ selection screen. You can also request additional assistance at the ferry terminals in Aberdeen and Lerwick.
If you plan to fly to Shetland, you can request assistance from Loganair to help you travel on and off the aircraft. Inform the airline of your additional assistance requirements at least 48 hours before travel by filling in the request form online.
Accessible accommodation
Whether you are looking for self-catering, a hotel or a hostel, Shetland has a range of accessible accommodation options to suit most budgets and requirements. To view options, visit stay.shetland.org and search for accessible properties using the facilities filter.
Hiring wheelchairs and equipment
Ability Shetland has all-terrain wheelchairs you can borrow, alongside a range of equipment to assist with your visit. Please call +44 (0)7895406005 or email AbilityShetland@shetland.org to check availability and discuss your requirements.
Getting around Shetland
Shetland’s bus network has low-floor accessible buses with spaces for wheelchairs. Accessible taxis are available to hire from Allied Taxis (+44 (0)1595 690069) or Sinclair’s Taxis (+44 (0)1595 696060).
If you require assistance travelling on the inter-island ferry network, please contact the booking office ahead of travel to discuss your requirements: +44 (0)1595 745804. Please note the Foul and Fair Isle ferries are not wheelchair accessible.
Several Shetland tour operators offer tours which can be adapted to accommodate wheelchair users and have wheelchair-friendly vehicles available. There are also several self-guided all-terrain wheelchair routes.
Attractions such as Mareel and the Shetland Museum are wheelchair accessible and most places offer disabled parking, such as Sumburgh Lighthouse and the Viking Longhouse in Unst.
Accessible toilets
See the public toilets page for a list of accessible toilets across Shetland. Please note only four locations have Changing Place facilities: Harbour House Toilets, Lerwick Esplanade; Islesburgh Community Centre, King Harald Street; Voe Public Hall; and Sumburgh Airport. Shetland’s leisure centres also have fantastic changing facilities, which are free to use.