Johnnie Walker Princes Street extends accessibility with British Sign Language Tastings

Johnnie Walker Princes Street has added British Sign Language (BSL) whisky tasting sessions to its range of experiences this August and October.

Article Source: Johnnie Walker Princes Street
Last Updated: 8 August 2023 15:09

Aiming to break down barriers around whisky for British Sign Language (BSL) users, Johnnie Walker Princes Street has added BSL whisky tasting sessions to its range of experiences this August and October.

Tickets are available now for the Whisky Explorers: British Sign Language Edition (11th and 18th August and 13th October), where guests will enjoy a specially curated 90-minute tasting led by a whisky specialist, alongside a BSL interpreter and support from Deaf Action.

The experience will offer those using BSL a chance to enjoy a specially curated sensory experience in the Learning for Life Lab at the Johnnie Walker Princes Street venue, recently named the Best Whisky Experience in the World by Whisky Magazine.

Following on from sessions earlier in the year which were praised by BSL users, guests will explore Scotland’s liquid landscape, sampling a stunning collection of drams from iconic regions including Islay, the Highlands and Speyside. They will also have the opportunity to savour a very special Lowland grain whisky, exclusive to Johnnie Walker Princes Street.

Building an inclusive and modern visitor experience has been a core focus of Johnnie Walker Princes Street from its inception, and these sessions are another stride forward for the world-renowned experience’s inclusivity goals. Johnnie Walker has worked closely with Deaf Action and a native BSL using consultant to ensure the experience is tailored to the needs of BSL users and those hard of hearing.

The business has worked closely with groups and charity organisations since before opening its doors to guarantee it was accessible to all communities. Working with Euan’s Guide since the planning stages, the building is fitted with an induction loop system for those who use hearing aids, and along with its various experiences, is fully accessible.

Tony Bradford, Johnnie Walker Princes Street experience team, said: “Being inclusive is a key perogative at Johnnie Walker Princes Street – we don’t believe that any disability or special need should stop anyone from being able to enjoy the same experiences as others, so it was brilliant to receive such positive feedback from our attendees and partners following the initial sessions.

“It was crucial to us that the sessions were as engaging and as interactive as all our other experiences, and Deaf Action and our BSL interpreter really helped us hone the visit and iron out any potential issues before opening up these sessions to the public.

“The team here are committed to driving change and pushing for inclusivity and diversity in every way, so we’re all excited to have added these sessions to our roster, opening up so many more people to the wonderful world of whisky we have here.”

Deaf BSL user, Gordon Hay, attended the sessions in April. He said: “Johnnie Walker Princes Street’s Whisky Explorers: British Sign Language Edition was fantastic. Featuring a brilliant host and a visually engaging presentation that clearly explained the intricacies of whiskies, the interactive session was so captivating that I didn't even realise it included a BSL interpretation - everyone played their part professionally!”

From offering complimentary tickets for carers, as well as the installation of ground floor Changing Places toilet, Johnnie Walker Princes Street is fully equipped to cater for guests who may have different access requirements.

Tickets will include 10% off other retail purchases of up to £250 as well as for drinks in the bar on the day of the experience, and for up to seven days afterwards (T&Cs apply). To redeem, guests must show their confirmation ticket to a member of staff at the till.

For more information and to book an experience, please visit: www.johnniewalkerprincesstreet.com

Image: Johnnie Walker Princes Street Explorers Bothy

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