Mercat Tours Achieves Disability Confident Employer (Level 2) Accreditation

Edinburgh, Scotland — 23 May 2026 

Mercat Tours is proud to announce its accreditation as a Disability Confident Employer (Level 2), reinforcing its commitment to building an inclusive workplace and ensuring equal opportunities for disabled people within the tourism sector.

The Disability Confident scheme, developed by the UK Government, supports employers to challenge barriers, change perceptions and create more inclusive workplaces. Level 2 status recognises organisations that are taking proactive steps to recruit, retain and develop disabled talent. 

For Mercat Tours, this milestone reflects a continued focus not only on accessible visitor experiences, but also on fostering an environment where team members feel supported and able to thrive. 

Kat Brogan, Managing Director said: “Our team care deeply about everyone feeling safe and happy at Mercat, comfy to be themselves. Our Leadership Team set the tone with a warm welcome, nurturing talent and confidence with trust and respect. I’m immensely proud of the culture and care our team show towards each other — the Disability Confident accreditation is their success.”

 

Pushing for Inclusion and Accessibility

As a Disability Confident Employer, Mercat Tours has undertaken a self-assessment across two key areas: getting the right people for the business and keeping and developing its team. This includes reviewing recruitment practices, supporting employees who may acquire disabilities during their working lives and ensuring opportunities for progression and development are accessible to all. 

The new accreditation aligns with Mercat Tours’ wider values as a Certified B Corp and Living Wage and Living Hours employer, where ethical practices, fairness and long-term sustainability are embedded across the business.

The team celebrate with goody bags featuring items from fellow B Corp businesses.

To mark the achievement, Mercat Tours recognised the contribution of its team, whose collective efforts made the accreditation possible. The initiative reflects Mercat’s belief that such achievements are driven by its people and should be celebrated as a collective success. 

Disability Confident Employers play a vital role in shifting attitudes and behaviours across industries. By drawing from the widest possible talent pool, organisations benefit from diverse perspectives, improved staff retention and stronger team engagement — all of which contribute to a more resilient and forward-thinking sector.

 

What This Means for Tourism

For Edinburgh’s tourism industry, this represents an opportunity to continue raising standards collectively. As the city welcomes visitors from around the world, ensuring inclusive practices behind the scenes is just as important as delivering accessible experiences. 

Marina DiDuca, VisitScotland’s Inclusive Tourism Manager, said: “Tourism has a unique power to connect people and cultures, and that starts with ensuring everyone feels welcome and included, both as visitors and as part of a workforce. Prioritising inclusivity and accessibility helps create a sector where everyone can participate, contribute and thrive, delivering richer experiences for visitors and more resilient, innovative businesses. Well done to Mercat Tours who has shown time and time again its commitment to inclusivity and accessibility.” 

Mercat Tours does not see this accreditation as a final step, but as part of an ongoing journey. The Disability Confident scheme encourages continuous improvement, and the organisation is committed to building on this progress as it works towards the next level of accreditation.

We’re always looking for ways to improve across the whole Mercat experience. From first welcome to final farewell, there’s a team of dedicated people making sure that everything works smoothly, demonstrated through our accreditations. Read more about them here.