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A revolutionary self-catering facility for disabled holiday-makers is to open in Fife next year, Tourism Minister Fergus Ewing announced today (Wednesday 13 August).Mr Ewing was in Cupar to lay a ceremonial stone to mark the creation of “The Rings” – a cottage with eight wheelchair-accessible bedrooms that has just been granted planning permission by Fife Council.
VisitScotland, the national tourism organisation, says The Rings represents a “milestone” in accessible tourism, becoming one of only a handful of visitor accommodation options in Scotland to offer ceiling hoists for severely disabled guests.
Farm owners David and Moira Henderson expect the cottage, which has received a £165,000 Scottish Rural Development Grant from Scottish Enterprise, will be ready to welcome its first guests by next June.
As well as a range of accessible facilities, Mrs Henderson, a former trained nurse, will be able to organise care support should this be required.
Mr Ewing said: “I am delighted to announce that The Rings will be ready to welcome its first guests next summer. Everybody enjoys a holiday, and those with accessible needs are no different.
“It is important that these needs are catered for and I have no doubt that The Rings will be a fantastic addition to tourism in Fife and I look forward to seeing the finished article.”
“Improving accessibility has real potential to help achieve tourism industry growth ambitions and boost the wider economy, as well as enhancing social equalities.”
Moira Henderson said: “A few years ago, my cousin developed a life-changing paralysing disease. As he deteriorated, he paid to go into a hospice to allow his family to go on holiday – without him. That’s not what holidays are all about – they are about relaxing in a comfortable and suitable environment with family or friends. They are about re-charging batteries, building and strengthening relationships and creating happy memories that last a lifetime. I think The Rings has the potential to change people’s lives.”
Chris McCoy, who heads up VisitScotland’s Accessible Tourism Project, said: “The building of The Rings is a milestone for accessible tourism in Scotland, not just in terms of its excellent facilities, but also the personal support on offer. It won’t be like a hospital but will be a luxury holiday destination for those with access needs. David and Moira have worked extremely hard to make their dream a reality and I am sure that The Rings will serve as an inspiration in the world of accessible tourism.”
Recent figures show that the accessible tourism market is worth more than £370 million to the Scottish economy.
