Accessible Meeting
Places
In the Garioch Area
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Meeting Places
Introduction
This is a guide of some of meeting places in the
Garioch area
We have visited some of the venues to check how
accessible they are and gathered information from
others to add to the guide.
The work has been carried out by volunteers from
Grampian Opportunities including Phyllis, Emma,
Kirstie, Liz, Alison, Bill, Helen, Jeanette and Jack. This
team have worked together and with others to gather
this information to provide this booklet. With thanks
to John Hughes for providing the cover photo.
A special mention to the Central Aberdeenshire
Access Panel who helped the group plan the checklist
used to carry out the research. The checklist is
available in the guide but the Access panel can be
contacted more detailed advice on email:
Since we recognise that abilities and requirements
vary for each individual, the guide is purely
descriptive. Where there are challenges due to the
building, we particularly commend those venues
where the attitude of the staff has overcome any
obstacles to create a welcoming environment
promoting access for all.
We are grateful for the “Garioch Community Planning
Partnership” which made our work possible.
Ramp/step/level
access
Handrails
Automatic doors
Wheelchair
accessible
counter
Hearing loop
Lift
Wheelchair
accessible toilet
Meeting Places
Meeting Places
Map of Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Contents
Inverurie, Port Elphinstone and
Chapel Of Garioch
Blackburn
Westhill
Kemnay
Kintore
Insch
Oyne
Meeting Places
Meeting Places
Chapel Of Garioch Hall, Careers Scotland,
Garioch Sports Centre, Acorn Centre,
Barnardos, Bennachie Centre, Catholic Hall,
Inverurie Hospital, Inverurie Loco Works,
Town Hall, Kintore Arms, Port Elphinstone
Community House, Ross’s Coffee Shop, St
Andrews Church, St Marys Church,
Thainstone Mart, West Church Hall, Harlaw
Centre, Crichiebank Business Centre,
Thainstone House Hotel, Barn and Bushel
Kinellar Hall
Westdyke Leisure Centre, Westhill
Community Centre
Bennachie Lodge, Kemnay Golf Club,
Kemnay Village Hall, Loaves and Fishes
Kintore Hub
Bennachie Centre Insch
Touched By Scotland
Meeting Places
Chapel Of Garioch Hall
Chapel Of Garioch
AB51 5HG
01467 681238
@
www.chapelofgarioch.org.uk
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Car park has no kerbs, surface is gravel, no designated
disabled spaces but car park at the back is outside the
wheelchair access door. Limited public transport. All
doors are wide enough for wheelchairs to get through
except the kitchen. No automatic doors, medium
weight. Glass door is clearly marked. Ramp access at
the back. Steps at the front of building, but no hand rail
and no nosings.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet available, door is wide
enough to get in but no turning circle. Doors are
different colour from floor.
Catering
Can use the kitchen if needed.
Notes
No emergency pull cord, no wifi, hearing loop or
projector.
Meeting Places
Careers Scotland
Unit 6 Garioch Centre
Constitution Street
Inverurie
AB51 4UY
01467 623623
@
Opening hours
Tuesday and Thursday 9-5
Wednesday appointments only
Closed Monday, Friday and weekends
Parking and Access
Kerbs to be aware of when getting to venue, 2 car
parks, one at front and one at back, tarred surface.
Public transport close to venue, no disabled spaces at
the front of the building. Automatic door at entrance,
glass doors clearly marked. No reception, staff greet
you at the door.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilets available, no turning
space in toilet, need to ask staff to use it.
Catering
No catering provided.
Notes
Projectors and wifi available.
Meeting Places
Garioch Sports Centre
Burghmuir Drive
Inverurie
AB51 4GY
01467 626141
www.gariochsports.co.uk
Opening hours
Mon - Fri 7.00am - 10.00pm, Sat 9.00am - 6.00pm,
Sun 9.00am - 10.00pm
Parking and Access
Car park with designated blue badge bays close to
entrance. The route from parking space to entrance
is level. Entry doors are automatic. Lift to meeting
room.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilets are available.
Catering
Food vending machines
Notes
Sports facilities: squash, yoga, football, gym,
athletics etc, conference room, astro turf,
community hall. Creche, sports injury clinic, sauna,
fitness assessments, personal training, dance
studio, kids holiday camps
Meeting Places
Acorn Centre
West High Street
Inverurie
AB51 3SA
01467 670850
http://theacorncentre.org/
Opening hours
Chapel/church/library/gallery/hall all available
from Monday to Saturday during the day and
Monday to Thursday 7-10 at night.
Parking and Access
No parking but drop off points. Ramp at the side
leads to the front door and automatic doors. Lift for
up to 15 people to upper floor.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet but the door is heavy
other toilets good colour contrast.
Catering
Food must be supplied by the Acorn Centre.
Hospitality area open Tuesday to Saturday 10am -
4pm. No public access to the kitchen.
Notes
Hearing loop upstairs only. wifi available in all
rooms and projector available for hire.
Meeting Places
Barnardos
30 High Street
Inverurie
AB51 3QA
01467 624334
@
Opening hours
Not available on Wednesday.
Parking and Access
Limited car parking available at the rear of the
building but pay and display car park opposite with
designated blue badge spaces. Ramp to front door
with option of steps to entrance.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet.
Catering
Kitchen may be available to make teas and coffees
but bring own food.
Notes
Wifi and projectors available but no hearing loop.
Meeting Places
Bennachie Centre
Chapel Of Garioch
Inverurie
AB51 5HX
01467 681470
@
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Flat car park with 2 disabled parking spaces.
Heavy doors.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet. Good colour contrast
in toilets, no emergency pull cord.
Catering
Hot water and a cooker is available
Notes
Only projector available, no wifi or hearing loop
available, no set cost, only a donation required.
Meeting Places
Catholic Church Hall
115 North Street
Inverurie
AB51 4TL
01467 620319
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Four designated blue badge parking space at the
door.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet. Good colour contrast
in toilets.
Catering
Own use of the kitchen no charge for teas,coffees
etc but bring own cups. To use oven charges will
apply
Notes
No wifi, hearing loop or projector available.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Inverurie Hospital
Upperboat Road
Inverurie
AB51 3UL
01467 620454
@
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Disabled parking signposted to the side of the
admin building. Local public transport to the
hospital.
High steps at front entrance, with ramp access to
the side. Internal routes can restict wheelchair
movement around the building.
Toilets
No wheelchair accessible toilet but amulant room.
Catering
Food and drink can be supplied.
Notes
No hearing loop. Wifi available, can connect laptop
to a small screen but not ideal for visually impaired
people.
Meeting Places
Inverurie Loco Works FC
Harlaw Park,
Harlaw Drive
Inverurie
AB51 4SF
01467 623055
@
www.pitchero.com/clubs/inverurielocoworks/
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Tarred car park, disabled parking at the door.
Public transport near the venue. Dropped kerb at
entrance doors.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet outside, but other
toilets in meeting room/bar area. Emergency
pull cord reaches the floor.
Catering
Catering can be arrranged or option to supply your
own but no kitchen available for use.
Notes
Wifi, hearing loop and projector available.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Inverurie Town Hall
Market Place
Inverurie
AB51 3SN
01467 621610
@
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Disabled parking at the door but phone in
advance. Public transport just outside the
venue. Ramp access is an uneven surface.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet available but not
sign posted well.
Catering
Own use of the kitchen and they can supply.
Notes
Main hall only for wifi and projector, no
hearing loop available.
Meeting Places
Kintore Arms
83 High Street
Inverurie
AB51 3QJ
01467 621367
@
http://www.oxfordhotelsandinns.com/Our
Hotels/KintoreArms
Opening hours
Open as when needed.
Parking and Access
Uneven path with pot holes and on a slope,
ramp into building and light doors. Bus stop
very close to venue.
Toilets
Access to wheelchair accessible toilet is
through the main hall which can’t be accessed
if there is a function on in the main hall and
doors not marked well.
Catering
The venue supplies food and drink at
reasonable price.
Notes
Good lighting for visually impaired, Reception
at a level for wheelchair users to be seen.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Port Elphinstone
Community House
1 Pinewood House
Elphinstone Road
Port Elphinstone
Inverurie
AB51 3UX
01467 625206
http://www.pech.btck.co.uk/
Opening hours
Check with calender on website for available
dates
Parking and Access
Parking is across the road at Ladside Gardens
which isn’t far from venue. Small lip at front
door.
Toilets
Colour contrast is good, suitable for transfering
across to, good lighting.
Catering
No catering supplied but full access to the
kitchen is available.
Notes
Collect key from news agents at the port, key
needs to be signed in and out.
Meeting Places
Ross's Coffee Shop
Highclere Way
Inverurie
AB51 5QW
01467 620764
http://www.jg-ross.co.uk/
Opening hours
7 days a week 9am-5pm
Parking and Access
Flat car park, 2 disabled parking spaces next
to front door but none round the back,
dropped kerbs, front door is glass but clearly
marked and automatic.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet was really good,
pull cord reached the floor in the downstairs
toilet but no cord in the upstairs one.
Catering
Kitchen not available but catering will be
supplied at a cost.
Notes
No hearing loop, mobile projector and screen
first come first serve, wifi throughout,
downstairs seats 50, upstairs seats 6-12,
guide dogs accepted.
Meeting Places
St Andrews Church
High Street
Inverurie
AB51 3QJ
01467 620468
www.standrewschurchinverurie.org.uk
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Tarred car park, 2 disabled parking spaces close to
the back entrance, speed bumps on the road but
pathway available, 2 bus stops outside venue at
either side of the road.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet is a tight fit, not well
colour contrasted.
Catering
Tuesday to Friday food can be supplied at a cost,
other times kitchen can be used.
Notes
Meeting Places
St Mary's Church
St Marys Place
Inverurie
AB51 3NW
01467 620470
www.stmarysinverurie.org.uk/index.htm
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Dropped kerbs, flat car park, 2 disabled parking
spaces at door, lip at the door, glass doors. Bus
stop reasonably close to venue.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet available but a
struggle to get in but ok once inside, toilets are
good for visually impaired.
Catering
Tea and coffee facilities available
Notes
Meeting Places
Thainstone Mart
Thainstone Centre
Inverurie
AB51 5XZ
01467 623867
@
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Tarred car park, dropped kerbs but not very wide,
ramp enterance at the side but steep, doors are
not too heavy.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet available, bin in the
way for transfer, no pull cord, good colour
contrast, no wheelchair accessible toilet for top
meeting room.
Catering
No access to the kitchen but food can be supplied
Notes
Small room holds 12 access from the bottom lift,
top meeting room holds 10, wifi available but no
hearing loop or projector.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
West Church Hall
West High Street
Inverurie
AB51 3SA
01467 670850
http://theacorncentre.org/
Opening hours
Hall available from Monday to Saturday during the
day and Monday to Thursday 7-10 at night.
Parking and Access
Very limited parking, uneven surface, Hill up to
the venue, lip at the door, heavy doors, quite
narrow.
Toilets
Ambulant room and not very well colour contrast.
Accessible wheelchair toilet available in the acorn
centre.
Catering
Access to the kitchen also Acorn Centre can
supply.
Notes
No hearing loops but wifi and projector and screen
available.
Meeting Places
Harlaw Centre
Harlaw Road
Inverurie
AB51 4TE
01467 621885
@
Opening hours
Evening and weekends usually but occasionally
a one off week day.
Parking and Access
Disabled parking at the door. Public transport
close to venue. Automatic entry doors.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet. No emergency pull
cord, good colour contrast.
Catering
Kitchen available to use but need to bring own
supplies.
Notes
No wifi, hearing loop or projector available.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Crichiebank Business Centre
Mill Road
Inverurie (Port Elphinstone)
Aberdeenshire
AB51 5NQ
01467 894000
www.enetrust.com/Property/Centres/
Crichiebank_1.asp
Opening hours
Available to book Monday to Friday
Parking and Access
Two disabled parking spaces flat surface.
Automatic doors. Lift available to meeting room
upstairs and is big enough for wheelchair and
companion.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet. Good colour
contrast in toilets.
Catering
Kitchen available to use or catering can be
arranged.
Notes
Hearing loop at reception only. Wifi and
projector in meeting room.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Thainstone House Hotel
Inverurie
AB51 5NT
01467 621643
www.swallow-hotels.com/hotels/thainstone-
house/
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Pot holes throughout the car park, 1 disabled
parking space near the entrance but not clearly
marked, public transport is available but is good
distance away.
Toilets
wheelchair accessible toilet available but no
turning space inside, good colour contrast for
visually impaired.
Catering
No access to the kitchen but they can supply food
and drink. Special diet availabe but needs a weeks
notice.
Notes
No hearing loop available but projector and wifi
are available. Wheelchair access is through the
gym at the side of the building or round the back.
Bell on side door or if using back entrance need to
phone because there is no bell at back.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Barn and Bushel
Thainstone Centre
Inverurie
AB51 5XZ
01467 623867
@ www.highlandcuisine.co.uk
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Disabled parking spaces, tarred car park, ramp to
enterance but steep.
Toilets
Wheelchair user would have to reverse in to
wheelchair accessible toilet, light door, good
lighting.
Catering
No access to kitchen but they can supply food
and drink.
Notes
50-70 people in meeting room, room can be split
into 2. Wifi and projector available, no hearing
loop.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Kinellar Hall Blackburn
Fintray Road
Blackburn, Kinellar
AB21 0JQ
01224 790861
http://www.kinellarhall.com/
Opening hours
Weekdays 7.30am-10pm, Saturdays 9am-6pm,
Sundays 9am-2pm
Parking and Access
Dropped kerbs, tarred car park, disabled spaces
next to the door, front door is automatic the rest
are heavy, bell at reception is hard to find. Public
transport but a distance to walk.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet is also the baby
changing room. Good colour contrast.
Catering
We can use the kitchen there and they can also
supply.
Notes
No hearing loop or projector and wifi is limited.
Great lighting for visually impaired.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Westdyke Leisure Centre
4 Westdyke Avenue
Elrick, Westhill
AB32 6QX
01224 743098
http://www.westdykeleisurecentre.co.uk/
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Car park has high kerbs but there is a dropped
point available, tarred car park, 1 disabled parking
space near the door, intercom at the door but is
hard to reach if in a wheelchair, steep ramp into
venue, public transport is a fair distance away
from venue.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet available but
awkward to access but the toilet is very big, good
colour contrast, emergency pull cord reaches the
floor.
Catering
Access to the kitchen is available.
Notes
No wifi, hearing loop or projector available.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Westhill Community Centre
Hay's Way
Elrick, Westhill
AB32 6XZ
01224 740111
@
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Sign post to get to venue is not easy to see or
find, no kerbs, 2 disabled parking spaces near
door, tarred car park, automatic doors, clearly
marked glass doors.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet available with
enough room to turn once inside, good colour
contrast.
Catering
Only coffee bar available but can only use coffee
bar if we have a food hygiene certificate and that
person is present.
Notes
No wifi, hearing loop or projector available.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Bennachie Lodge
Victoria Terrace
Kemnay
AB51 5RL
01467 642789
http://www.bennachielodge.co.uk
Opening hours
Parking and Access
No disabled parking. Heavy doors and lips at
every door.
Toilets
No wheelchair accessible toilet available. Other
toilets are of good colour contrast.
Catering
Kitchen not available but will be supplied at a
cost
Notes
Wifi available, no hearing loop or projector.
Building a new part to the hotel and a disabled
toilet will be available then.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Kemnay Golf Club
Grove Road
Kemnay
AB51 5RA
01467 642225
http://www.kemnaygolfclub.co.uk/
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Uneven surface at the disabled parking.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet available. Very
good colour contrast in toilets.
Catering
No access to kitchen but they will supply
food and drink.
Notes
No hearing loop, wifi or projector available.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Kemnay Village Hall
8 Aquithie Road
Kemnay
AB51 5SS
01467 643320
http://www.kemnaykirk.org.uk/
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Disabled parking space. Automatic doors. Wooden
door with glasses panels and clearly marked.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet. Good colour contrast
in toilets in the main hall only. Emergency pull
cord but does not reach the floor.
Catering
Big kitchen in main hall and a coffee bar in the
other hall.
Notes
Hearing loop and projector available but no wifi.
No 13-18 year olds.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Loaves and Fishes
Church Lane
Kemnay
AB51 5QP
01467 643883
http://www.kemnaykirk.org.uk/
Opening hours
Tuesday to Friday 10am-4pm
Parking and Access
Loose stonned car park that is hard to walk on,
ramp to the front door which has a lip, disabled
parking spaces next to door, light doors.
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet but would need to
reverse in, only the floor was a different colour in
the toilets everything else matched not great for
visually impaired, emergency pull cord does not
reach the floor.
Catering
We have access to the kitchen or they can supply
catering at a cost.
Notes
Projector available, hearing loop only in big hall,
no wifi at all. Tuesday and Thursday mornings are
not available. Small hall holds 30 People.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Kintore Hub
1 Deans Court
Kintore
AB51 0RY
01467 631210
www.thelocalhub.org.uk
Opening hours
Parking and Access
No car park, bus stop right at the door,doorway
not flushed at front door but the rest of the doors
in the building are, reasonable weight of doors
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet are a bit tight if using
an electric wheelchair, toilets are not colour
contrast for visually impaired, no emergency pull
cord.
Catering
No access to the kitchen but they can supply food
and drink.
Notes
No hearing loop but projector and wifi available.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Bennachie Centre
Largie Road
Insch
AB52 6LT
01464 821248
@
www.blcinsch.co.uk
Opening hours
Parking and Access
One disabled space and tarred car park. Heavy
doors, carpets are trip hazard
Toilets
Wheelchair accessible toilet. Good colour contrast
in toilets, no emergency pull cord.
Catering
Arranged with tea room.
Notes
Have to bring own projector, no wifi or hearing
loop. Wheel in shower also available.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Touched By Scotland
Ryehill
Oyne, Insch
AB52 6QS
01464 851489
www.touchedbyscotland.com
Opening hours
Parking and Access
Car park is gravel, 2 disabled parking spaces
near the entrance, no public transport.
Toilets
wheelchair accessible toilet available with
turning space inside, good colour contrast for
visually impaired. No emergency pull cord.
Catering
Kitchen is available.
Notes
Only wifi available.
Meeting Places
in the
Garioch Area
Meeting Places
Village Halls
Name Of Hall Address Area Postcode
Ashdale Hall Westhill Drive Westhill AB32 6FY
Culsalmond Community Centre Colpy Insch AB52 6UH
Dunecht Hall c/oDunecht Estate Office Dunecht AB32 7AW
Echt Publie Hall Echt Westhill
Fetternear Hall Fetternear Inverurie AB51 5JY
Fintray Village Hall Hatton of Fintray Garioch AB21 0YG
Keithhall Village Hall Keithhall Inverurie AB51 0LX
Kintore Village Hall Kintore Inverurie AB51 4TL
Largie Hall Largie Insch
Logie Durno Village Hall Pitcaple Inverurie AB51 5EJ
Lyne Of Skene Village Hall Lyne Of Skene Westhill
Midmar Community Hall Midmar Inverurie AB51 7PS
Millbank Hall Sauchen Alford AB51 7SA
Milne Hall Kirkton Of Skene Westhill AB32 6SQ
Newmachar Village Hall School Road Newmachar AB21 0WB
Old Rayne St Lawrence Hall Old Rayne Insch AB52 6RY
Oyne Victoria Jubilee Hall Oyne Insch AB52 6QT
Premnay Village Hall Premnay Insch AB52 6QD
Wartle Village Hall Meikle Wartle Inverurie AB51 8UD
Whiterashes Community Hall Whiterashes Aberdeenshire AB21 OQP
Meeting Places
Grampian Opportunities
1 High Street
Inverurie
Aberdeenshire
AB51 3QA
01467 629675
www.grampianopportunities.org.uk
GO can work across Grampian
(Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen City and Moray)
Supported by Garioch Community Planning Partnership And J G Ross
Version 1 – 28 February 2012
Grampian Employment Opportunities is a Company Ltd by guarantee Number SC030396
Scottish Charity Number SC030396 Registered Office 1 High Street, Inverurie, AB51 3QA