FAQs

Who can use one of the beach wheelchairs?

Anyone who, for whatever reason, has difficulty walking on the beach. This could be a permanent or temporary disability. The manual beach wheelchairs need someone to push them.

Our X8 Powered Chair can be hired solo but the user must first pass a driving test.

Where are beach wheelchairs located?

At the carpark on Dornoch Beach. There is a disabled parking space close to the shed.  

Toilets at the beach?

There are no disabled toilets at the beach but the Dornoch Caravan Park have kindly offered the use of their facilities to our users.  Make sure you have your Radar key with you.  Drive into the caravan park and turn right over the bridge, the toilets are located on the left in the blue building.

There are public toilets available next to the Coast Guard building. the ladies is slightly bigger and can accommodate a small wheelchair.

Where can I use beach wheelchairs?

We have created three paths with a safe gradient going down onto the sand.

We prefer that the chairs are not taken onto the rough surface on the carpark as it damages the soft wheels.

How must does it cost?

We want the beach to be accessible to everyone so do not make a charge for the loan of the beach wheelchairs. The schemes are run by volunteers who give freely of their time and skills.

When can I use the chair?

The scheme operates all the year round. Please book by telephone or message through the Facebook page in advance to avoid disappointment.  Our telephone phone number is 0300 7704624.

We always check the tide times prior to your booking to ensure there is enough beach for you to access during your planned trip.

Will help be available?

The beach wheelchair volunteers are not insured to assist in transfers or pushing you on to the beach. We do however operate the hydraulic hoist. You must bring your own sling.

Your helper must be fit enough to push the wheelchair across the sand and up and down the paths. Flat footwear is recommended.

Where can I leave my own wheelchair/ walking aid?

Your own wheelchair or walking aids can be left in the beach shed.

What if the weather turns bad or I need to cancel?

If you wish to cancel your booking, please ring as soon as possible on the number that you used to make the booking. We are reliant on volunteers to provide our service and they often juggle other responsibilities to help out.

When you hire the beach wheelchair, you will be given a contact number for the volunteer on duty. Please call them if you need to return to the wheelchair shed earlier than planned for any reason.

Even when sunny, the wind can be very cold, so please make sure you have plenty of warm clothing or blankets and sun protection.

Are you insured?

We have full insurance covering our wheelchairs and volunteers and covering our customers and other beach users. Please contact us if you would like to see a copy of our up to date insurance. We also have risk assessments and service information available on request.

What do I need to bring?

Please bring photographic ID with you; this will be checked by our volunteers.

You will also want to bring sun lotion, blankets, towels, buckets and spades, and anything else appropriate for a trip to a Scottish beach!

We recommend that the carer pushing the wheelchair wears sensible shoes with good grip.