A gardening project at Sight Scotland Veterans’ Hawkhead Centre is helping veterans with sight loss stay active, connect with others and develop new skills.
What started as two weekly sessions has quickly grown to five, with participants now growing everything from strawberries and broad beans to microgreens used in meals at the Centre.
Growing something new
Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Allison West started the social and therapeutic horticulture sessions at Hawkhead Centre in June 2026.
A keen gardener herself, Allison had always been interested in using gardening to support people's health and wellbeing. After completing online courses in gardening therapy and social and therapeutic horticulture, she went on to complete a certificate in social and therapeutic horticulture.
She first introduced gardening activities through the veterans Sight Support Groups, where the sessions proved popular.
“I suggested that we try to take the gardening activities into the community, and I did a programme of sessions with the Veterans Sight Support Groups. They went down really well.”
When the opportunity arose to start running sessions at Hawkhead, Allison decided to give it a try.
“They were very enthusiastic and keen for me to take it forward, so I said, ‘let's just dive in and see how we get on!’.”
That approach has certainly paid off. Allison initially offered two sessions a week, but demand quickly grew and she now runs five sessions each week, tailoring the activities to the abilities and preferences of the veterans taking part.
Allison is overjoyed to see the project develop, grow and spark interest.
“It’s been a great success and I'm delighted with the uptake.”
From a blank canvas to a thriving garden
When Allison began, the garden had not been used much for around a year. She took stock of what was available and started looking for ways to make the most of the space and materials already there.
“The garden hadn't really been touched for about a year so it was a bit of a blank canvas. I took an inventory of what we had to work with and realised we were going to need more space.”
With help from her husband Angus, who built a herb planter using leftover wood, and by repurposing old planters, the garden has gradually been transformed.
“We’re now growing leeks, garlic, spring onions, chives, rocket, strawberries, rhubarb and broad beans. We’ve even got some hydrangeas and blackcurrants growing from clippings I brought from home.”
Some of the produce is even making its way into meals at the Centre.
“The chefs have been using the microgreens we’ve grown in some of the meals within the Centre!”
“It’s given me a new lease of life”
For former Royal Engineer soldier John Ewing, 55, from Renfrew, the gardening sessions have become a favourite part of his week.
John has been attending Hawkhead Centre since January 2026. After his health began affecting his mobility and his sight declined due to diabetes, he was referred to Sight Scotland Veterans during a regular hospital check-up.
Since coming to the Centre, John has taken part in a range of activities, including archery, acoustic shooting and woodwork. But gardening has quickly become a particular favourite.
“Since I've joined these horticulture sessions I've actually been enjoying them more than I enjoy the archery, and I've started some planters in my own garden now too.”
John says the Centre has also helped him become more active and connected with other people.
“It’s a nice way to spend the time because you’re doing something productive and you get the chance to socialise and chat to the other veterans too.”
The benefits have extended beyond the gardening sessions themselves. John has started building things for the garden using his own tools, and says his experience at Hawkhead has had a wider impact on his life.
“Nothing is ever too much for the staff in the Centre - you can talk to them about stuff outside of here, and they'll give you advice or point you in the right direction for help and support. It's given me a new lease of life.”
“Nothing is ever too much for the staff in the Centre - you can talk to them about stuff outside of here, and they'll give you advice or point you in the right direction for help and support. It's given me a new lease of life.”
Gardening with rehabilitation in mind
While the sessions are enjoyable, Allison's approach has a clear rehabilitation focus.
“As a rehab specialist I'm looking for measurable change in their lifestyle and overall health, and that's what I've observed. I set goals and objectives for every session, recording what we do and ensuring the outcomes are measurable.”
The gardening activities give veterans opportunities to work on movement, balance, dexterity and motor skills as part of a practical and social activity.
“The sessions improve their mobility and their balance by getting them walking around between the Centre and the greenhouse, and they increase dexterity and motor skills while they're planting.”
The benefits aren't limited to those taking part in the organised sessions. The garden has become a focal point at the Centre, encouraging other veterans and visitors to spend more time outdoors.
“It’s not just the Veterans participating who benefit - we have other people coming up here from the Centre walking around, asking what we're doing and interacting more with the garden and outdoor space.”
Allison is already looking ahead to next year's growing season.
“By sowing seeds now for next year, we’re also creating a sense of hope - something to look forward to and something that will need to be looked after.”
Looking ahead
With five sessions now taking place each week, the Hawkhead Centre is asking for donations to help Allison, John and the other veterans continue to grow their garden.
They are looking for donations of multi-purpose compost/top soil, seeds suitable for autumn planting, bulbs for spring flowering (such as daffodils, hyacinths and tulips), and exterior grade timber suitable for building raised planters.
If you're able to donate any items, or have a connection to a local garden centre that might be able to help, please do get in touch with us by calling our Veterans Information Line on 0800 035 6409.