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 in Fife came together recently for Scottish War Blinded’s first annual reunion event for the region.
The veterans, who all have sight loss and are members of charity Scottish War Blinded, travelled from across the region with family and friends as guests to gather at the Balbirnie House Hotel, Markinch (Wednesday, July 10).
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 Stephen Greig, 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 Scottish War Blinded Board Member Ian McGregor and Rebecca Barr, Director of Scottish War Blinded, and Scottish War Blinded Practice Lead, Rosie McLaughlin.
The veterans all received a glass of fizz before enjoying a three-course lunch.
Rebecca Barr, Director of Scottish War Blinded, commented: “It was wonderful to have such a good turn out to the Scottish War Blinded Fife 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.”
Outreach Worker Stephen also runs monthly lunch groups for Scottish War Blinded veterans in Kirkcaldy, which meets at The Waterfront Restaurant, High Street, on the first Monday of each month, and for members in Dunfermline at Fire Station Creative on the first Friday of every month.
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.