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 across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire came together 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 Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire, Fraserburgh, Turriff, Deeside, Stonehaven and Inverurie to gather at the Palm Court Hotel, Aberdeen recently (Thursday, May 2).
The veterans all receive one-on-one support from the charity’s Outreach Worker team, with Ingrid Penny and Margaret Forrest working across Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire.
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 Angela Paton of the Unforgotten Forces partnership, who spoke at the event, volunteer Grace Thomson, who assists with the charity’s Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire lunch groups and activities, 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, and many commented they “had a great time meeting friends, new and old.”
Scottish War Blinded Outreach Worker, Ingrid Penny, said: “This was my first reunion lunch with Scottish War Blinded and I thought it was great. There was certainly plenty of chatter and laughter from those in attendance.”
Rebecca Barr, Director of Scottish War Blinded, added: “It was wonderful to have such a good turn out to the Scottish War Blinded Aberdeen 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.”
Ingrid and Margaret also run monthly lunch groups for Scottish War Blinded veterans in Aberdeen, Stonehaven and Inverurie.
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 and around Aberdeen and to refer a veteran to the charity, call 0800 035 6409 or get in touch online at www.scottishwarblinded.org.