Autism awareness
A number of our staff are trained in autism awareness.
Social story
Download the RSE social story (9MB, PDF)
Sensory backpack
Staff can provide visitors with a sensory backpack containing ear defenders, fidget toys, and a fan.
We understand that some visitors may benefit from taking a break from the event or before it begins.
A dedicated quiet space is available to use throughout your visit.
If you need to access it, please ask a member of staff, who will be happy to show you where it is.
Stepped entrance: There are five steps into the main entrance of the RSE with a railing.
Step-free access: Ramped access for visitors is at 26 George Street through Lakeland. When at the entrance, please phone 0131 240 5000 and a member of staff will arrive to welcome and guide you to the event. Please note that the entrance ramp has a steep gradient (1:12).
The RSE has two lifts to access rooms across the building.
Main lift: Give you access to the MacRobert, Wellcome East, Swann, and Scott rooms. The lift’s door has a width of 79cm and a depth of 143cm. Please note, that access to the lift is limited by a narrow 77cm width corridor.
Smaller lift: Gives you access to Auerbach, Clyde, Kelvin, Tweed, Wellcome West. The lift’s door has a width of 69cm and a depth of 104cm.
All lifts have spoken messages indicating which floor the lift is on and whether the doors are opening or closing. Additionally, all lifts have grab bars for visitors.
If a person’s wheelchair is too wide we can offer the choice to be transferred to the RSE wheelchair.
Main lift:
Smaller lift
The following rooms have step-free access – James Clerk Maxwell, Upper Gallery, and Wolfson Lecture Theatre.
There is one space in the front of the Wolfson Lecture Theatre which is available for a wheelchair user.
We have toilets for everyone, including a wheelchair-accessible toilet and baby changing facilities.
Assistance dogs are welcome. Please let the RSE team know at least a day before your visit so we can accommodate and make sure you are seated somewhere suitable.
We have an induction loop in the main theatre, Wolfson Lecture Theatre. To use this, visitors should switch their hearing aids to the “T” position. A portable induction loop is available for use in other areas of the building – which requires visitors to collect earphones and a receiver from the reception.
There are a few accessible parking spaces near our building. Please review the parking areas and bays map on the City of Edinburgh Council website.
Alternatively, there are many car parks in close walking distance to the RSE. Please access the following links for further details:
Omni Centre EH1 3AN is in central Edinburgh and is located 0.6 miles from the RSE, with 1,000 spaces and 9 access parking spaces.
St James Quarter Car Park EH1 3AD is in central Edinburgh and is located 0.8 miles from the RSE, with 1,600, 70 access parking spaces, and electric car charging points.
Edinburgh Castle Terrace Car Park EH1 2EN is in central Edinburgh and is located 0.8 miles from the RSE, with 750 spaces and 5 access parking spaces.
Alternatively, you can search for spaces near RSE available via www.yourparkingspace.co.uk.
We have a limited supply of booster cushions available. Please check availability with a member of staff.
We strive to create a welcoming and inclusive environment accessible to all. If we have not covered your access requirements, or if you would like to provide any feedback regarding this access, then please contact us using the below details:
T: +44 (0) 131 240 5000 E: public_engagement@theRSE.org.uk
We will be happy to discuss your needs and offer further assistance where we can. We regularly review and update our services to continually improve the visitor experience in our venue.
