ShopMobility Highland, Inverness: ShopMobility UK Scheme of the Month (December 2021 & January 2022)

Started in 1994, ShopMobility Highland proudly operates from spacious premises within the Falcon Gallery, Eastgate Centre, Inverness. It is supported by a team of 25 dedicated volunteers under the leadership of an employed Manager who together provides over 40 mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs for hire.  Shopmobility Highland was established by the charity’s current Honorary […]

Started in 1994, ShopMobility Highland proudly operates from spacious premises within the Falcon Gallery, Eastgate Centre, Inverness. It is supported by a team of 25 dedicated volunteers under the leadership of an employed Manager who together provides over 40 mobility scooters and powered wheelchairs for hire. 

Shopmobility Highland was established by the charity’s current Honorary President, Gale Falconer, who first discovered a ShopMobility service whilst on holiday in Falkirk. As she has MS, Gale returned home with the vision of setting up a new service locally. Through her determination, ShopMobility Highland was launched from a portacabin outside the Eastgate Shopping Centre in the centre of Inverness. Since then, it has gone from strength to strength. 

  • Manager, Norman Macleodat Inverness Highland Games. 
  •  Dingwall volunteer minibus driver Mr Peter Angus after being awarded the British Empire Medal in 2018 for volunteering. Photographed with his wife Jennifer (seated on the mobility scooter) and the Lord Lieutenant Janet Brown who carried out the ceremony.

ShopMobility Highland has been able to grow thanks to support from various fundraising individuals and organisations such as Highland Council, NHS Highland and Highland Cross, a local fundraising charity. The team continues to be incredibly grateful for this help which has allowed the centre to recently purchase a manual ‘Sandcruiser’ wheelchair. This remarkable product now enables customers to visit the numerous glorious beaches in the Highlands, some enjoying this experience for the first time in many years. 

In addition to the main centre, ShopMobility Highland has a satellite office in Dingwall which is managed by a full-time staff member and volunteers. Both centres provide additional support at various Highland events during the summer months so everyone with restricted mobility can attend. 

Dingwall satellite office

The availability of mobility equipment to hire at shows is also complemented by ShopMobility Highland’s two fully accessible minibuses, fully funded by the Highland Cross. These vehicles, again operated by volunteers, can transport people to and from their homes so they can enjoy days out in Inverness and Dingwall. On arrival, they can loan a reliable scooter or wheelchair for complete independence with peace of mind. If customers would like to be accompanied around the town, ShopMobility Highland volunteers are always ready to be shopping escorts for the day.

ShopMobility Highland’s two fully accessible minibuses

Looking to the future, Shopmobility Highland has recently received encouraging news that NHS Highland will be able to financially support the service until at least March 2025. 

For further details visit: http://www.shopmobilityhighland.co.uk/

ShopMobility Highland (Inverness)
Eastgate, Inverness IV2 3PR, United Kingdom
Tel: 01463 717624

ShopMobility Highland (Dingwall)
Nicols Ct, Dingwall IV15 9SW, United Kingdom
Tel: 01349 866040