Paisley and its Attractions to those with Mobility Needs

Paisley has so much to offer, from many years of history and areas more reflective to the modern-day. If you are planning a trip to this part of Scotland here are some of the attractions and unmissable activities on offer.

Paisley Museum and Art Gallery

Paisley Museum and Art Gallery has, and is still, undergoing a transformation designed to provide help for those planning to visit the building. Prominent are the new lifts and ramps which enable access throughout the structure including the Coats Observatory. A new, fully accessible entrance opening is part of the changes too. There is now a Changing Places toilet, near the entrance, as part of the package as well. In the grounds, there is a new step-free public courtyard and garden, and the nearby “The Secret Collection” is also definitely worth a visit. This is all planned for completion in 2026 so contacting the establishment for outright satisfaction beforehand would be advisable.

Paisley Abbey

Paisley Abbey is open from Tuesday to Saturday (10:30am to 3:30pm). It dates all the way back to 1163 when it was founded. During its time under royal patronage, trade with other settlements, as far afield as elsewhere in Europe brought much wealth to the area and the abbey itself became very influential.

Now, wheelchair and mobility scooter access is available, via a ramp, at the South Aisle entrance, not the main entrance. All areas of the ground floor are reachable to those with mobility issues and stopping at any of the many pews can break up the visit. At this point you will notice that there is a series of beautiful stained-glass windows designed by Daniel Cottier to be taken in.

There are available guided tours starting at 2pm, which last approx. one hour, allowing you a historical insight into the planning, layout and decorative features that the abbey has to offer. During these tours, wheelchair accessibility is available to all areas but the St. Mirin’s Chapel.

Getting to the Abbey, accessible parking space is located at Cotton Street, just outside the structure, requiring a 2min. journey to the abbey itself.

Taking in the Shopping and other Facilities

Shopmobility Paisley and District are now offering free daily hire of wheelchairs, powered wheelchairs and mobility scooters. This is primarily to enable those wishing to take advantage of the shopping in Paisley to get to all the retail hotspots in the area. There are also portable travel scooters available, these being designed for longer-term use.

Paisley Food and Drink Festival

Reports have indicated that Paisley has staged a food and drink festival, annually since before the 2019 Pandemic. It will go ahead at Abbey Close and Bridge Street and offers top food from across Scotland, provided by fantastic traders, with live music to boot.

Renfrewshire council want the day to go as smoothly as possible and offers a guide to help you navigate your journey safely. Most surfaces are hard and paved with ramps available in some transitional key points.

If you have specific dietary needs, vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free food will be on offer with kid’s portions provided too. Don’t forget to ask the traders about any particular food allergies or intolerances you may have.

The closest accessible parking will be at Renfrewshire House car park. If you need to take advantage of the free hiring of the mobility devices or need any further information, call Shopmobility on 0141 889 0441 or e-mail at admin@shopmobilityrenfrewshire.org.uk