ST Enoch centre has launched updated sensory maps for autistic people for those with learning disabilities to use when visiting the shopping centre.
The maps were created in collaboration with Scottish Autism, a charity the centre has partnered with since 2018, and include guidance on sounds, smells, lighting and temperature changes to make a more autism-friendly environment.
St Enoch Centre was Scotland's first shopping mall to introduce a Quiet & Safe space for autistic people and those with sensory conditions and it has also introduced Quiet Times throughout the week where no music is played in the centre and participating shops.
Anne Ledgerwood, centre director at St. Enoch Centre, said: "Our aim is for everyone to feel welcome when they enter St. Enoch Centre.
"Working with Scottish Autism to implement changes to improve the shopping experience for people with autism has been invaluable for St. Enoch Centre.
"With the help of Scottish Autism, St. Enoch Centre has made changes to ensure we meet the needs of autistic shoppers and visitors.
"As a team, we are proud to be taking steps to make the centre a more inclusive and welcoming place."
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Karen Wilson, income generation lead at Scottish Autism, said: "We're delighted to continue our partnership with the St. Enoch Centre in Glasgow, providing autism awareness training to their staff and updating the sensory maps to prepare autistic people for a visit to the centre.
"St. Enoch Centre had also taken a number of steps to support autistic people by introducing a Quiet & Safe Space for customers and holding Quiet Times during specified weekday and Sunday mornings.
"We are working with other shopping and entertainment centres across Scotland to develop more inclusive and welcoming environments."
Glasgow Kelvin MSP Kaukab Stewart attended the launch of the updated sensory maps and learned more about the work of St Enoch Centre and Scottish Autism to make the shopping experience inclusive and welcoming.
She said: "I was delighted to meet with Scottish Autism and St. Enoch Centre to learn first-hand about their inclusive practices that cater for all visitors, especially those supporting autistic people.
"Many people find entering such busy spaces to be a very daunting prospect, and it is wonderful to see this great collaboration to not only include but encourage anyone with sensory needs to visit the shopping centre.
"Here, you will find maps that have been specially designed to highlight changes in lighting, temperature, sounds, and smells, and I was very impressed by the quiet space provided.
"Approximately one-third of the population has some kind of additional need, and these kinds of adjustments can make such a huge difference to their experience."
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