Accessibility at Linlithgow Museum

The museum is located on the first floor of the Partnership Centre in Linlithgow.

The building is shared with West Lothian Council Library and other organisations. Some facilities and assistance services are provided by library staff.

Step-free access

  • At the main entrance to the building, there are two short sets of steps (two steps followed by three steps) and a ramp leading into the library.

  • For selected museum events, the Court Square side entrance has three steps and a ramp.

  • Lift access is available from the ground floor.

  • From the main entrance, proceed through the library and continue straight along the corridor. The lift is located on the left-hand side just before the atrium.

  • After exiting the lift on the first floor, turn right and continue along the corridor to reach the museum.

Inside the museum

  • The museum consists of three galleries and a community room, all located on a single level.

  • The reception and museum shop are located together in Gallery 1. Visitors pass through or around this area to access the rest of the museum. Step-free access is maintained throughout, and wheelchair and buggy users can move freely around the galleries.

  • The shop has a counter service point; however, staff are happy to come around the counter or bring payment devices to visitors to support ease of use.

  • Flooring throughout the museum is carpet tile, providing a flat and even surface.

For blind and partially sighted visitors

  • Guide and assistance dogs are welcome throughout the museum, and staff are happy to assist on arrival.

  • The reception area is located just inside Gallery 1 on the right.

  • The museum layout is simple and open, consisting of three small galleries and a community room on a single level.

  • We do not currently provide audio guides, large print, or braille materials, but we are actively working to improve our accessibility provision.

  • Lighting is provided by diffused spotlights, giving even illumination across the galleries.

  • We use strong visual contrast throughout the museum, with clear differentiation between text and background colours to support readability for visitors with low vision.

Facilities

  • A unisex accessible toilet with baby changing facilities is available on the museum floor. This toilet is step-free.

  • It is fitted with an emergency alarm cord which alerts library staff in the building if assistance is required. Library staff manage response to alerts.

  • Male toilets are located outside the museum space along the corridor near the lift on the left.

  • Female toilets are located downstairs in a similar area.

Seating

Seating is available throughout the museum, including chairs and benches positioned for visitor comfort and rest.

Neurodivergent Visitors

  • The museum is generally a quiet space the majority of the time.

  • It is a small, calm environment consisting of three galleries and a community room. It may be busier during weekends, special events, or when the shared building is in heavier use.

  • Occasional background noise may be present from the library, adjacent rooms, or external traffic.

  • Lighting is consistent, using diffused spotlights, though natural light levels may vary during the day.

  • Visitors are welcome to explore at their own pace and may leave and re-enter during their visit if needed.

  • We do not have a dedicated quiet room; however, the museum office can be offered as a temporary quiet space if required.

  • Staff are available in the museum areas and are happy to provide assistance or answer questions.

  • We welcome advance contact to support individual access needs and to help plan your visit.

Contact for access enquiries

If you have any access requirements, please contact us:

email: enquiries@linlithgowmuseum.org

telephone: 01506 670677

The museum is open Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. We will respond as soon as possible, but immediate replies may not always be possible.