Mum reveals plans for Scotland’s first sensory and illusion activity centre

A Crieff mum is seeking support to create Scotland’s first sensory and illusion activity centre in the Perthshire town.

Nadia McNicol hopes to create a safe and inclusive centre for people with additional needs of all ages that can be used by families, schools, community groups, the wider public and tourists.

The project – estimated to cost up to around £1.2m – has already won the support of 200 residents and 60 local businesses, and Nadia has now set up a GoFundMe page for financial backing.

Mum of two, Nadia (27) told the Local Democracy Reporting Service that the idea came about both from her own experience and from her awareness of the strong local demand.

She explained: “My youngest son, has a rare neurological condition called microcephaly, which has meant navigating complex care and support systems from an early age.

“Alongside that, I have lived experience of multiple mental health challenges. Between the ages of 14 and 16, I spent time living in a strict children’s care home in France, and returned to Scotland with very limited ongoing support.

“Those experiences are what shaped the idea for the centre and its focus on inclusion, regulation, and dignity for people who are often overlooked.”

Nadia added: “From my own background I became very aware of how easily families can fall through gaps in support, and now as a parent to a child with additional needs, that awareness has turned into action.

“The project is called What The Sense – Crieff Sensory and Illusion Activity Centre, and the vision is to create

Scotland’s first dedicated centre combining immersive sensory spaces with illusion-based experiences – designed for neurodivergent children, teens , adults elderly and families with additional needs, schools and community groups, while also being a unique visitor attraction for the wider public and tourists.”

The centre would include two calm sensory rooms, interactive light and sound spaces, multiple illusion rooms – such as mirror and infinity-style experiences, a virtual reality/arcade room as well as inclusive design for people with visual impairments using sound, touch and spatial cues.

It would also feature a fully inclusive sensory garden with light and touch-reactive equipment, as well as accessible play such as a wheelchair-friendly swing.

There would be a small café and community area to support families and groups using the space, with plans to host weekly classes, arts and crafts, bingo nights and a variety of different events.

Nadia is currently exploring options for a suitable site in Crieff, finalising the delivery plan and building the right partnerships. She is delighted with the reaction her idea has received so far.

The Crieff mum said: “The community response so far has been extremely positive. I’ve gathered over 200 signatures from local residents and more than 60 local businesses in support of the project.

“There are now currently eight signature forms placed across local organisations where members of the public can show their support, including The Tower, The Steading Café, Crieff Primary School, Live Active, Crieff Food Co, the King’s Centre Mental Health, Crieff Baptist Church and the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as well as wider Perthshire community locations such as Tesco Perth.”

As well as the GoFundMe page, Nadia hopes to secure funding through a variety of different sources and has begun discussions with Perth and Kinross Council about the project.

She said: “I’m approaching this carefully, with long-term sustainability at the centre of the planning.”

Nadia added: “The aim is to create a space that is engaging without being overwhelming — somewhere families feel safe, understood, and included.”

A Perth and Kinross Council spokesperson said: “We have been contacted regarding a proposal for a museum-style sensory and illusion centre in Crieff.

“At this stage, these are very early conversations, and we have not yet received a planning application or any formal approach.”