Moorelands Travel opens sensory room for neurodivergent kids

The sensory room was soft-launched to existing clients in January <i>(Image: Supplied)</i>
The sensory room was soft-launched to existing clients in January (Image: Supplied)
This article is brought to you by our exclusive subscriber partnership with our sister title USA Today, and has been written by our American colleagues. It does not necessarily reflect the view of The Herald.

A Cowdenbeath travel agency has opened a sensory room in a former vault for children who are neurodivergent.

Moorelands Travel, part of the Barrhead Travel Group, has transformed a former RBS vault into a space for youngsters who require special assistance.

The room is equipped with hearing loops, sensory toys and lights, bean bags, and a projector that can play sensory sounds, graphics, and movies.

It is located next to a private travel appointment room, allowing parents to plan their holidays while keeping an eye on their children.

Scott Paterson, the managing director, decided to create the sensory room in response to the needs of his regular clients.

He said: "I'd been wondering for a while how I could best make use of the dormant vault which sat beside one of our offices.

"The idea came to me after noticing that we were getting more enquiries and bookings with special assistance requests, particularly from families with hidden disabilities.

"Coming into a busy retail store can be challenging for parents with neurodivergent children, so I started thinking about how we could create a safe, welcoming and calmer atmosphere within our branch.

"Everyone should be able to enjoy the holiday booking experience and that is what we are trying to achieve with the opening of the sensory room.

"Hopefully we can make a little bit of a difference."

The sensory room was soft-launched to existing clients in January.

Barry Adamson, the first customer to use the space, said: "Having neurodivergent children makes simple things like sitting in a travel agency an impossible task and something we would never have dreamed of doing previously.

"However, having the dedicated safe and secure sensory space for the kids to have fun and relax, along with friendly, understanding and accommodating staff, meant we could focus on all things holidays."

The sensory room can be booked seven days a week.

Contact Moorelands Travel on 01383510791 to book an appointment.

Get involved
with the news

Send your news & photos