Firestarters!

Have you ever wondered what it would be like getting around central Edinburgh if you were blind, partly sighted, a wheelchair user or have mobility issues? Yesterday, 15 people found out.

A grouping of charities gave them an opportunity to accompany people with a range of complex needs around the congested area beside the Omni Centre on Greenside Row.

The move is part of the ‘Firestarter’ programme of nationwide events that aims to ‘allow people from all aspects of public service to share innovative and creative ways that are making a difference to Scotland’. Those taking part included policymakers, civil servants and other influencers.

Yesterday’s event was hosted by We Walk, We Cycle, We Vote, a collaborative campaign calling for more investment in walking and cycling, with RNIB Scotland, Spinal Injuries Scotland. Guide Dogs Scotland also supported the event.

James Adams, director of RNIB Scotland, said: “Letting the people who set the framework for things like planning and urban design experience hear what it’s like trying to get around a city centre will give them a greater appreciation of the potential problems those with sight loss and other disabilities face every day.

“We are campaigning for all of our cities and towns to be made more accessible to people and for any obstacles or impediments to be kept to a minimum.

“That’s why we very much welcomed the recent decision by Edinburgh City Council to make its ban on advertising boards permanent. A bold and progressive move like this will make our capital more welcoming to residents and visitors with disabilities.”

Maureen Morrison, operations manager with Spinal Injuries Scotland , said, “We are committed to supporting spinal cord injured (SCI) people and ensuring that our towns and cities are designed to enable them to undertake life’s daily functions with as much independence as possible.

“For many who require a greater level of accessibility, the prospect of leaving the house can be daunting. We welcome this event as an opportunity to point out the barriers that many people face in the hope that influencers will incorporate more accessible design in our towns and cities in the future, for a more inclusive society.”