Central Aberdeenshire and South Aberdeenshire Access Panel

21/02/2026

As some of you may be aware we have been fighting for better accessibility at Inverurie and Insch train station for the past 25 years. We heard rumours these stations were finally going to be brought up to a standard that meets the equality act 2010, however these plans have changed again leaving so many disabled people and those with reduced mobility to continue to struggle to use public transport. We've been in contact with Harriet Cross MP about these stations and we are in agreement that change is desperately needed.

Below is a link for the petition for Inverurie train station to be made more accessible https://www.harrietcross.uk/campaigns/harriets-campaign-accessibility-improvements-inverurie-station

It is just incredibly disheartening to us that it's 2026 and disabled people and others with reduced mobility are still having to fight for such basic access rights. We have been told that Inverurie classes as accessible because there is a ramped entrance to the other platform but I would love to challenge anyone who thinks it's just that simple to try and get from the ticket office to the other platform in a manual chair with no assistance.

If you have a space 2 minutes please follow the link and sign the petition, change is needed and we need you all to help us with this.

Join Harriet's Campaign for Accessibility Improvements at Inverurie Rail Station

13/02/2026

Some surveys by DES for people to fill in

Today we launch our Cost of Living 2026 survey: What is it like to live in Scotland as a disabled person?

Last year, disabled people told us about the difficult choices they were facing due to rising costs. This included high energy bills, increased housing costs, and the cost of essential equipment. Prices are continuing to rise, and there have been changes to benefits and services. We want to understand what has changed.

If you are a disabled person living in Scotland, please take part in our surveys on household finances, housing, work and education, and access to services. Your experiences will help us influence decision-makers and improve support.

Easy Read versions are available for all surveys.

Take part and share your views:
https://disabilityequality.scot/news/cost-of-living-survey-2026/

11/12/2025

Well that’s the Central Aberdeenshire Access Panel wrapped up for the year! We had our final meeting followed by our Xmas meal at the Strathburn Hotel (****) on Tuesday, and just like last year the meal and service was perfect.

Thank you to all the members for their hard work this year, next year we are going to be challenging certain things that can’t keep being done the way they have been done for years.

We would like to wish everyone a very happy festive period however you’re celebrating and we will see you in the new year.

04/12/2025

The panels would like to remind all businesses to remember their disabled customers at this time of the year. Please do not use accessible parking spaces for Christmas displays or grottos for Santa and please keep tills, aisles and doorways clutter free.
Thank you

04/11/2025

Disability Equality Scotland Have asked us to share a link into the Accessible Travel Framework survey in partnership with Transport Scotland. We would love as many different views into this as possible.

Accessible Travel Framework: Surveys The original Accessible Travel Framework (ATF) was published in 2016, with the framework based on consultation between key stakeholders, including: disabled people; Disabled Peoples Organisation’s (DPO); transport providers; and Transport Scotland. The framewor...

11/05/2025

The South Panel have made a poster with contact details for them, we would love new members in that panel. Access affects everyone not just disabled people.

You can also still message this page if you would like to contact an Aberdeenshire access panel.

Please note we are linked to Aberdeenshire Council.