Children at Sight Scotland’s Kidscene were barking with joy recently over their new ‘doghouse’ style playhouse, which was designed and created by Sight Scotland Veterans.
The staff and children from Kidscene, which is an accessible after-school and holiday club located in Canaan Lane, Edinburgh, visited Sight Scotland Veterans’ Linburn Centre in West Lothian earlier this year. Whilst they were there, the Kidscene staff got a tour of the centre and were shown all the amazing creations the veterans, who all have vision impairment, were making in the workshop. Witnessing the veterans' craftsmanship firsthand inspired Kidscene staff members to approach the veterans with a special request.
“After seeing the incredible work being done by the veterans at the Linburn Centre, we were inspired to collaborate with them on a project for Kidscene. We envisioned an outdoor covered play area where children could have space for freedom and quiet play.”
Following lots of discussions and planning sessions with staff, kids, and the veterans, Kidscene and Sight Scotland Veterans embarked on the project to create a unique play space for the children. The result was a spectacular giant doghouse, meticulously crafted by the talented veterans.
Louise adds: "We were truly blown away with the results, the giant play ‘doghouse’ is even better than what we imagined, and we can’t thank the veterans enough. The children absolutely adore the playhouse, especially the thrill of thinking they can’t be seen when they are inside it! We're so grateful to the veterans for their amazing work. They're incredibly talented, and the playhouse is a big hit with the kids.”
Steven Olivier, Centre Officer at the Linburn Centre comments: "Our veterans really enjoyed working on this project, with four of them taking the lead in designing, assembling, and painting it. The end result turned out fantastic, and Kidscene is thrilled with it. It took about 3 or 4 weeks in total to complete, and we're all delighted with how it came together."
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