Pamiloo to make its first visit to Black Isle Show
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CAMPAIGNERS have welcomed news that accessible toilets will be installed at this year’s Black Isle Show – allowing people with complex needs to enjoy the event.
Fiona MacLeod-Chiarini, whose brother Ewan MacLeod is severely disabled, contacted the show’s organisers to ask about the availability of a Pamiloo (right), a mobile facility for those with profound impairments.
Rod Mackenzie, the Black Isle Show’s company secretary, immediately got in touch with the charity Promoting a More Inclusive Scotland (Pamis), which owns the Pamiloo, in order to make the event accessible for the family.
Mrs MacLeod-Chiarini hailed the move, and believes facilities such as the Pamiloo can be life-changing.
She said: "We are absolutely delighted that the Black Isle Show have taken our concerns on board and have booked the Pamiloo. They were so helpful.
"It can be very hard for disabled people to go to these events because quite often, normal disabled toilets are just not adequate.
"We usually manage to get by but sometimes the process is not very dignified.
"You do get used to getting by with what is there but when you discover something like this, the difference it makes is amazing.
"It may sound over-dramatic to say it’s life-changing but it genuinely is.
"It makes life so much easier and more dignified for people like Ewan."
Mr Mackenzie said: "The Black Isle Farmers’ Society are delighted to have secured this excellent facility and further enhancing accessibility to all."
A spokeswoman for Pamis said: "Pamis are delighted that the Black Isle Show has responded to the need of a local family and booked the Pamiloo.
"Without these facilities, which include space for a wheelchair and two carers, a hoist and tracking system and an adult changing bench, thousands of families across the country cannot go out or are faced with changing loved ones on the floor of a public toilet.
"Having access to a Changing Places toilet empowers families to go out and enjoy day trips like everyone else."
Mrs MacLeod-Chiarini would now like to see the Pamiloo at more public events, to make them accessible to all.
She added: "We would like to see more events make use of the Pamiloo, or even install their own facilities, especially in the Highlands where there is such a distance to travel.
"A lot of people have not got the option of going out because it’s so difficult for them.
"Letting people know about the Pamiloo is important and hopefully there will be more people and organisations taking the points on board.
"The more people who know about it the better."
