Changing Places Facility at Hawes Pier, South Queensferry

Changing Places Overview

In partnership with Healthmatic, Astor Bannerman has delivered a new Changing Places facility at Hawes Pier, South Queensferry.

Hawes Pier is a busy waterfront location on the south side of the Firth of Forth, directly beneath the world-famous Forth Rail Bridge (a UNESCO World Heritage Site). The pier is a hub for ferry services, sightseeing trips, and visitors exploring the bridges and waterfront, making accessibility a vital consideration.

The addition of a Changing Places facility ensures that people with profound and multiple learning disabilities, as well as other serious mobility issues, can enjoy the pier and surrounding attractions with dignity. It is part of the City of Edinburgh Council’s wider commitment to enhancing inclusive public spaces across Scotland.

Changing Places Products Specified & Installed

Astor Bannerman supplied and installed essential equipment for the Changing Places facility at The Meadows.

Our contributions included:

• Astor Invincible Changing Table: A robust and hygienic adult changing table designed for public use.
• Astor ABW-CP Height Adjustable Wash Basin: A basin that caters to users with varying needs, ensuring comfort and accessibility.
• Astor OT200 Ceiling Track Hoist: A safe and smooth transfer solution, facilitating ease of movement for users.

All equipment has been installed to meet the standards set by the Changing Places Consortium and BS8300.

Healthmatic | Modular Public Convenience Experts

Healthmatic managed the modular build at Hawes Pier, integrating the Astor Bannerman equipment into a high-quality, robust structure.

Their experience in delivering public toilet and Changing Places facilities across the UK ensured that the installation was completed efficiently and to the highest standard. The result is a facility that can withstand high footfall while remaining fully accessible.

Scottish Funding & Guidance

In 2025, the Scottish Government announced a £10m funding programme to support the development of Changing Places facilities across Scotland.

While the Hawes Pier facility was not part of this scheme, the funding provides an important opportunity for charities, community projects and public venues to enhance accessibility.

To learn more about funding routes and compliance in Scotland, visit our funding page.

Importance of the Facility

South Queensferry is a significant tourist destination. The new Changing Places at Hawes Pier ensures that everyone — including those with complex care needs and their families — can enjoy the waterfront and world-famous Forth Bridges.

This collaborative project between Astor Bannerman and Healthmatic represents another step towards inclusive public spaces across Scotland.

Get In Touch

For more information on our Changing Places solutions, please visit our Changing Places page.