Please note that as of October 2020, we now operate as Sight Scotland Veterans. Our former name, Scottish War Blinded will appear in content, such as reports, produced before that date.

Veterans living with sight loss from Dundee and surrounding areas came together recently for Scottish War Blinded’s annual reunion for the region.

The veterans, who all have sight loss and are members of charity Scottish War Blinded, travelled from across Dundee, Carnoustie, Arbroath, Brechin, Montrose and Kirriemuir to gather at the Westpark Conference Centre, Dundee (Tuesday, May 28).

The occasion was a chance for many to meet up with friends they have made through the charity, as well as get to know more Scottish War Blinded members from areas outside of their hometowns.

The veterans all receive one-on-one support from the Scottish War Blinded outreach worker Carole Martin, who is part of the charity’s Scotland wide Outreach team.

It was an opportunity for the members to meet Scottish Rehabilitation Officer Sandra Taylor, who demonstrated a variety of specialist low vision aids and equipment that is available to Scottish War Blinded veterans free of charge.

Also in attendance were Derek Clark of Action on Hearing Loss and Alison Rae, Manager of Dundee Blind and Partially Sighted Society, who both gave talks, as well as Scottish War Blinded Board Member Ian McGregor and Rebecca Barr, Director of Scottish War Blinded.  

The veterans all received a glass of fizz before enjoying a three-course lunch.

Scottish War Blinded Outreach Worker, Carole Martin, said: “The veterans I spoke with afterwards said that they had a lovely day, enjoyed the meal and had appreciated being able to catch up with other Scottish War Blinded members.

“There was a real buzz in the room – quite probably because many of the members had already met at other social activities organised by Scottish War Blinded.”

Rebecca Barr, Director of Scottish War Blinded, added: “It was wonderful to have such a good turn out to the Scottish War Blinded Dundee Reunion.

“Our veterans are spread across the whole country, so these annual regional reunion lunches are always very enjoyable events. Many will meet up with old friends made through the charity and get to know some new faces as well.

“Our monthly lunch groups, social events and activities are important to many members of our ever-growing community of veterans with sight loss. It’s a chance for them to receive support and make new connections with many individuals in a similar situation to themselves.” 

Carole also runs monthly lunch groups for Scottish War Blinded veterans in Dundee, which meets at Dundee Blind and Partially Sighted Society, Ward Road, Dundee,   and for members in Arbroath at the Coast Bar and Restaurant, Gravesend, Arbroath.

Scottish War Blinded gives free support to former servicemen and women of all ages, no matter if they lost their sight during or after service.

For more information about the support offered to veterans with sight loss in the area and to refer a veteran to the charity, call 0800 035 6409 or get in touch online at www.scottishwarblinded.org.