Category: North Edinburgh News

Funding for ‘game-changing’ tech which could destroy cancers and predict disease

Millions invested in eight innovative companies behind lifesaving new medical technology which could destroy liver cancer tumours, detect Alzheimer’s and quickly spot those at risk of stroke

Countless lives could be saved thanks to a multi-million pound UK government investment in potential breakthrough medical devices.

As part of a £10 million funding package for boosting access to medical technology, eight innovative tech companies will be supported to bring their devices to market. It could help transform the way we treat some of the biggest causes of death and disability in the UK.

One device, by HistoSonics, aims to identify and destroy liver cancer tumours using focused ultrasound waves. These waves break down tumours without damaging healthy tissue, offering a safer alternative to radiotherapy and other high intensity treatments. It could improve quality of life for many patients going through treatment – reducing hospital visits, post procedure complications, and making pain management easier.

Today’s announcement is part of the government’s long-term plan to ensure the NHS and its patients can get quicker access to new ‘groundbreaking’ technologies. It follows the unveiling of our groundbreaking blueprint for boosting NHS medtech and turning innovation into real benefits for society last year.

Health Minister Andrew Stephenson said: “NHS staff need access to the latest technology to deliver the highest quality care for patients and cut waiting lists – one of our top five priorities. 

“These cutting-edge technologies could help thousands of patients with a range of conditions, including cancer, stroke, and Alzheimer’s, while easing pressure on our hospitals and reducing healthcare inequalities.

“Our investment in these pioneering companies is part of our long-term plan for a faster, simpler and fairer health care system, and demonstrates our clear commitment to ensuring the UK is the most innovative economy in the world.”

One company is developing a blood test for Alzheimer’s Disease which means patients could be identified and treated earlier.  Roche Diagnostics Ltd has developed the Amyloid Plasma Panel – a blood test which could help clinicians decide if patients with cognitive impairment should undergo tests or imaging to confirm Alzheimer’s Disease.

A portable blood test, from Upfront Diagnostics, could help paramedics identify stroke patients more quickly. Currently, ambulance workers can’t recognise a patient with a blood clot blocking the flow of blood and oxygen to their brain, who would require urgent treatment at stroke centres rather than local hospitals.

The blood test could help them recognise these cases on the spot – so patients could be taken to a comprehensive stroke centre for immediate, vital treatment. It could mean thousands are spared long-term disability and the associated care costs, while reducing pressure on A&E departments nationwide.

Dr Marc Bailey, Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency Chief Science and Innovation Officer, said: “We are very excited to announce the final eight selected technologies in the new IDAP pilot scheme.

“This is designed to explore how support from the regulator, UK health technology organisations and NHS bodies can accelerate the development of transformative medical devices from their initial proof of concept through to uptake in the NHS.

“The pilot criteria prioritises patient need in all aspects of decision-making and, by supporting innovative medical technologies, will ease pressure on the healthcare system. Most important, it’s an initiative which could be life-changing for many patients.

“We are committed to being a regulator that establishes the UK as a centre of medical innovation and look forward to working with the wider healthcare system to achieve this.”

The funding is part of a radical new programme called The Innovative Devices Access Pathway (IDAP), which aims to bring state-of-the-art technologies and solutions to the forefront of the NHS. Currently in the pilot stage, the funding will be used to test the new technologies for use on a large scale as quickly as possible.

The government is investing £10 million in the pilot as part of a wider programme of work to accelerate access to medical technology.

The programme is run by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA), The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE), NHS England, Health Technology Wales, and Scottish Health Technology Group. They will be providing tailored, intensive advice on regulatory approval, health tech assessments and access to the NHS.

Jeanette Kusel, Director of NICE Advice (The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence) said: “NICE’s ambition is to drive innovation into the hands of health and care professionals to enable best practice in health and care treatment.

“Through IDAP and our support service NICE Advice, we aim to be a trusted adviser, providing tailored advice and supporting businesses along the whole product lifecycle helping them realise their ambition and helping bring the very best of innovation into the NHS and the hands of patients.”

Lenus Health Ltd. is using artificial intelligence to predict patients at risk of hospitalisation for Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, which causes the airways to become narrow and damaged, resulting in breathing difficulties.

The company collects data from wearable devices, sensors and apps and uses AI to predict which patients are at greater risk of hospital admissions. This allows them to be monitored and treated more effectively, while simultaneously reducing pressure on hospitals. 

Another device aims to reduce inequalities in the field of lung health. Oximeters – devices clipped over the end of a fingertip – are used widely at hospitals and at home to assess how well the lungs and circulatory system are working. However, research suggests this technology may not accurately detect falling oxygen levels in people with darker skin tones.

EarSwitch has produced a device which detects oxygen levels from the inner ear-canal instead, which is not pigmented irrespective of the person’s skin colour. It could offer better quality readings and a more innovative approach to oxygen level monitoring. 

Vin Diwakar, Interim National Director of Transformation, NHS England, said: “This is an important milestone in our work to ensure the NHS continues to get the best new technologies and treatments to patients faster, having already rolled out more than 100 new treatments through the cancer drug fund and setting up a dedicated programme to prepare for new Alzheimer’s treatments once they are approved.

“We will be working closely with our partners to support those companies selected for the pilot so that more game-changing, life-saving technologies are introduced quickly and safely on the NHS.”

Other technologies set to benefit from a share of the funding include:

  • Multiple Sclerosis fatigue app: Avegen Ltd. has developed a new smartphone app that delivers exercises, cognitive behaviour therapy and targeted physical activity in a personally customisable format to help patients manage Multiple Sclerosis (MS).
  • Self-test for neutropenia: 52 North Health. has developed a new device to allow chemotherapy patients to self-test at home – using a finger-prick blood test – for neutropenic sepsis. This is a life-threatening condition in patients whose immune system is suppressed.
  • Algorithm infection predictor: Systemic Inflammatory Response Syndrome (SIRS) is a life-threatening medical condition caused by the body’s overwhelming response to infection or inflammation. Presymptom Health Ltd. has developed a new test and algorithm with the potential to predict infection status up to three days before conventional diagnosis is possible.

Dr Susan Myles, Director of Health Technology Wales, said: “Health Technology Wales is proud to have played a role in the selection of eight pilot IDAP technologies which have the potential to support clinicians and improve the lives of patients across the UK.

“We look forward to continuing to support the adoption of innovative health technologies by the NHS.”

Former ref Martin Clark to speak at Hibs Football Memories group as Specsavers-sponsored tour hits capital

Participants of a Football Memories group in Edinburgh will get the chance to hear from former referee Martin Clark as Specsavers’ whistle-stop tour reaches the capital. 

The official sponsors of the Scottish FA match officials have facilitated for retired refs to speak to participants of Football Memories, a project which assists people living with memory loss conditions, including dementia and Alzheimer’s, as well as those experiencing loneliness and social isolation. 

Martin, from Edinburgh, refereed over 300 top-flight games in Scotland and will recount his career, which spanned 1976-2000 to the group at Hibernian’s Easter Road on February 19. 

The tour kicked off last month in Glasgow, as ex-whistler Dougie Hope got things under way at Hampden Park. 

John Rowbotham will talk to the Dundee group in March, while Mike Pocock will host the Aberdeen participants at April’s meeting. 

Established in 2009, Football Memories Scotland is a charitable project run by the Scottish Football Museum in partnership with Alzheimer Scotland. 

With 500 groups around the country, often hosted in football settings, Football Memories uses engaging football-themed resources stored in a memory box, such as reminiscence cards, life-size player cutouts, newspaper clippings and books, to stir memories and discussions led by volunteers. 

Specsavers have sponsored the boxes for the referee tour and have helped to provide some exciting new contents for them such as old football boots, photographs of former referees and other memorabilia. 

Long-term memories can be triggered for many through the visual cues of images, videos, artefacts and discussions taking place in a small group or even a one-to-one setting, unlocking precious happy moments from the past.

The impact can be enormous. 

Robert Craig, Chair of the Scottish Football Museum, says: ‘After a hugely successful first event with Specsavers at Hampden Park, we are delighted to be on the road and visiting one of our groups in Edinburgh. 

‘Their support to the Football Memories project, which impacts the lives of all who touch it, is invaluable and helps us to continue to deliver for those living with memory loss conditions or experiencing isolation. 

Crawford Allan, Scottish FA Head of Referee Operations, says: ‘Football Memories is a fantastic initiative and one our roster of former referees will gladly support, as an extension of our existing partnership with Specsavers. 

‘We are sure their stories and treasured memorabilia will spark many happy memories.’ 

Specsavers’ Arlene Stephenson, Scottish Divisional Chair, says: ‘Specsavers is proud of our long tradition in backing Scottish referees, but our latest sponsorship deal sees us going further than ever, helping to raise awareness of the vital work Football Memories does in assisting people living with memory loss conditions. 

‘We can’t wait to hear what questions the referees are fielded on their tour of the country and learn about the impact for those attending the groups.’ 

For those keen to attend the Easter Road group on February 19 at 10.45am, please register your interest via email here: tomwright.1972@btopenworld.com.

You have until 11:59pm, Thursday 15 February to do so.

Space is limited and attendees will be allocated and informed by Hibs Football Memories in advance of the group. 

Specsavers announced in 2021 that it renewed its’ sponsorship deal with football referees in Scotland, marking over 20 years of support – one of the longest agreements of its kind in sport. 

The deal has seen the partnership continue into 2024, not only helping with the training and development of referees, but also helping to raise awareness of para football and grassroots football in Scotland. 

From the aisles to the altar!

SCOTMID COLLEAGUES SAY ‘I DO’

Love found its way to the aisles of Scotmid Broxburn Store, where colleagues James and Lauren first crossed paths in 2014. The Scotmid sweethearts exchanged vows during a heartwarming ceremony at Balbirnie House in Markinch recently.

The flame was kindled during the staff Christmas party a decade ago when James finally plucked up the courage to ask Lauren on a date. To his delight, she accepted, and they ventured into Edinburgh together. Their bond continued to flourish as they worked shoulder to shoulder in Broxburn for another two years.

Lauren joined Scotmid Broxburn in 2014 before departing in 2016 to become a PE teacher, while James joined Scotmid in 2002 and now manages a Scotmid store in East Calder.

James said, “The aisles of Scotmid may not seem like the most conventional romantic setting to meet your future partner, yet for Lauren and me, they marked the beginning of our journey together.

“We’ll always cherish our time working together; our connection blossomed into a lifelong partnership.”

Edinburgh to host the World Orienteering Championships this July

Opportunities for all to watch and try orienteering in the Scottish capital this summer

Ahead of what is set to be an exciting summer of sport in Scotland, Edinburgh plays host to the Sprint World Orienteering Championships (WOC 2024) from 12-16 July 2024.

For Edinburgh locals and tourists alike, the elite races will showcase the fast-paced sport of orienteering in the centre of the capital. Meanwhile, for amateur competitors of all levels, there is the chance to take part in an orienteering race as part of the WOC Tour. 

Often thought of as a countryside sport, WOC 2024 races will all be staged in the intricate urban terrain Edinburgh has to offer, with the capital’s iconic landmarks, including Edinburgh Castle and Arthur’s Seat, providing the perfect backdrop for the elite courses.

Fans will be thrilled to watch the world’s best orienteering athletes tackle challenging routes which weave through the city’s historical and cultural attractions. Narrow vennels, steep slopes and narrow stairways will challenge even the world’s best orienteers, as they try and seek out the fastest routes in pursuit of victory. 

With Great Britain second in the medal table at the last Sprint World Orienteering Championships in Denmark in 2022, the host nation will be looking to go one better and top the table. One of the nation’s best hopes will be Megan Carter-Davies who is the reigning Sprint World Champion and is expected to defend her title in Edinburgh this July.

As well as opportunities to spectate across the city and watch the finishes of the elite races, there will also be the chance for people to take part in orienteering races themselves as part of the WOC Tour.

Orienteering is for everyone, with races in the WOC Tour open to all ages, from under 10 upwards. Six varied races will allow competitors, from those relatively new to the sport up to experienced recreational athletes, to experience the best of urban orienteering. The Tour will be fully integrated into the WOC 2024 programme and will use some of the areas mapped for WOC 2024.

“The prospect of a World Championships on the streets of one of the world’s most recognisable cities is truly exciting,” said Andy Mitchelmore, WOC 2024 Event Director.

“We are confident that we will provide high quality and challenging orienteering in a variety of terrains with finish locations that have been chosen to maximise the exposure of the sport and provide an incredible atmosphere.

“The accompanying WOC Tour races are sure to deliver a similarly immersive and inspiring experience, with courses taking in iconic sights and landmarks in Scotland’s capital. We cannot wait to share the WOC experience and welcome orienteering to Edinburgh in July 2024.”

Paul Bush OBE, VisitScotland Director of Events, said: “Scotland is one of the best places in the world to experience events and we are looking forward to welcoming athletes and fans to Edinburgh this July for the Sprint World Orienteering Championships.

“Edinburgh, with its rich architecture and diverse terrain, is the perfect stage for the Championships and will provide a memorable experience for all competitors from beginners to elites.

“EventScotland is delighted to be supporting the Sprint World Orienteering Championships as part of an exciting portfolio of events taking place across the country this year.”

The City of Edinburgh Council’s Culture and Communities Convener, Councillor Val Walker said: “It’s really exciting to see the Sprint World Orienteering Championships come to Edinburgh this summer.

“We pride ourselves on bringing the world’s best events to the Capital and I’m sure this will be a thrilling spectacle for our residents and visitors to enjoy. 

“I’d like to thank the organisers and of course our Council colleagues who have been working hard on this event and I’m sure it’ll be a great success.” 

WOC 2024 is organised by Scottish 6 Days Orienteering in conjunction with Scottish Orienteering, British Orienteering and the International Orienteering Federation, with primary event partners EventScotland, part of VisitScotland’s Events Directorate, and The City of Edinburgh Council.

 Find out more about WOC 2024 and the WOC Tour.

Proposals for refurbished Calton Square office building to go on display

The public is to be given the chance to share views on the proposed refurbishment of the Calton Square office building, located at the top of Leith Walk.

Being promoted by Ardstone Capital, appointed as development managers, the current occupier of the building is set to move out in April 2025. The vision for the refurbishment is to create a best-in-class office building, comparable to the best in Europe with the lowest possible carbon footprint.

Fronting onto Leith Street, Greenside Row (the pedestrian street along the Omni frontage) and Greenside Place, the building, which dates from the 1990s, needs updating and no longer meets technical standards and occupier requirements. The proposed refurbishment will also help address a chronic under-supply of top-quality Grade A office space in the capital.

To refurbish the building will require significant remodelling and intervention, replacing many elements of the existing asset including windows, façade, lifts and entrances. However, as much of the structure will be retained as possible, including the frame, with materials re-used where possible and natural stone used where appropriate.

Sustainability and net zero objectives have been established as a key consideration, delivering first class energy and environmental performance standards, with best in class Environmental and Social Governance (ESG) ratings. The current green roofscape and gardens will be enhanced, with a courtyard or atrium space provided in the centre of the building.

Car parking will be reduced and additional cycle storage and changing facilities will be provided. Accessible by foot, cycling, tram, buses and train, the refurbished building will bring significant benefits to the immediate locality, complementing the surrounding retail, commercial and residential properties.

The cost of such works will be significant and will need to be balanced by the creation of some additional usable space that provides the most efficient future use and a viable economic return. This includes providing additional accommodation without increasing the existing maximum height of the building.

Whilst not formally classed as a major development and therefore not requiring statutory consultation prior to the submission of a planning application, proper engagement with the public and other key groups is important for the asset owner and the public given the building’s prominent location in the city centre.

An informal public consultation event is therefore taking place on Tuesday 20th February, between 3pm and 7pm at St Paul’s & St George’s Church Hall, York Place Edinburgh EH1 3RH.

A website with details of the refurbishment is also available at: 

www.caltonsquare.com

Commenting on this, Craig McDonald, Principal and Managing Director of Ardstone Capital UK, acting as development manager on behalf of the owner and its advisory team, said: ““While occupying a top-grade location, the existing building no longer provides office space that suits current occupier requirements and fails to meet current statutory requirements in several important areas. It also fails to engage with or contribute to the street life and immediate surroundings.

“Our proposals aim to address these issues and deliver an office building comparable to the best in Europe with the lowest possible carbon footprint. In addition, it will address the recognised demand for top quality office space in the capital while making an important contribution to the city.

“We urge the local community to come and share their views on our proposals.”

New exhibition at hubCAP Gallery

CHRIS BYRNE’s MACHINE RUMOURS

A new hubCAP Gallery exhibition from Chris Byrne, entitled Machine Rumours, will celebrate the 1,000,061st birthday of Art Administration – and the week-long celebration will kick off with a birthday party on Monday 19th February. 

The opening event (5pm – 9pm) complete with birthday cake, drinks, and nibbles, will be followed by an artist talk and week-long exhibition, all taking place at The Gatehouse (located on the grounds of Edinburgh College, Granton). Full schedule of events below. 

In 1963, French Fluxus artist Robert Filliou suggested that 1,000,000 years ago, there was no art. But one day, on the 17th of January to be precise, Art was born. According to Filliou, it happened when someone dropped a dry sponge into a bucket of water.

In 2007, Canadian artist, curator, and art administrator Brian L. MacNevin declared that a little over a month after Art’s Birthday, over a million years ago, the object (a sponge in a bucket of water) from the Birth of Art was discovered, labeled artwork, acquisitioned, evaluated, documented, conserved/cared for, placed on exhibit, and pedagogically interpreted.

Henceforth 19th February became Art Administration’s birthday.

Edinburgh-based artist, educator, and curator Chris Byrne will celebrate the occasion of Art Administration’s Birthday with a presentation of new work developed and produced in response to the birth of art some 1,000,061 years ago.

Chris said: “For some time now I’ve been interested in how ideas are manifested through art. Not just the ideas themselves, but also the processes by which they become part of an artwork, and the modes of addressing the viewer.

“There is always an element of craft skill inherent in making any artwork, but art cannot be reduced to a display of virtuosity. Much of my work over the past decade has attempted to move away from the craft paradigm (complete escape is not possible) without crossing into the territory of anti-art. It’s more about which elements constitute an artwork, and how these are arranged for the spectator.

“The installation presented at hubCAP gallery centres around a sound recording made on Art’s Birthday 2024. The work seeks to integrate this artefact into the context of a celebration for Art Administration’s Birthday, and creating an exhibition within the gallery space. The objects, technical means and rhetorical gestures chosen are intended to echo some of the multi-layered origins and histories of ideas and practices referred to in the work.” 

The week’s events will run as follows: 

Birthday Procession: Leaving from HND CAP Studio (B202) Edinburgh College going to Gatehouse.   

  • Date: Monday 19th Feb 
  • Time: 5pm 

Exhibition Preview & Birthday Celebration:

  • Date: Monday, 19th February
  • Time: 5 – 9 pm

Exhibition Hours:

  • Dates: Tuesday, 20th – Sunday, 25th February
  • Time: 12 – 4 pm daily

Artist’s Talk:

  • Date: Tuesday, 20th February
  • Time: 1 pm

About the Artist:

Chris Byrne engages with visual culture as an artist, curator, educator, and writer. Originally trained as a sculptor, Chris has long-standing interests in the moving image, networked and collaborative art practices, internet art, sound, and performance.  He has organised numerous projects, exhibitions, performances, and residencies with artists across Scotland and internationally. Chris lectures in Context & Theory at Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art & Design, Dundee. He currently leads the research dissertation component of undergraduate Design courses across DJCAD and teaches communication theory for Communication Design students.

About hubCAP Gallery:

hubCAP Gallery is an exhibitions and events organisation led by a rotating team of student artists from the HND Contemporary Art Practice (CAP) course at Edinburgh College. Founded in 2019 as part of the HND CAP Professional Practice and Exhibition program, hubCAP provides a platform for artists through a varied program of exhibitions, events, and publications. The self-funded organisation aims to foster dialogue, learning, and engagement with college, local, and wider communities.

Visit our website for more details: https://hubcapgallery.com

Council extends deadline for public consultation on energy efficiency

Residents have two weeks left to share their views on a long-term plan for decarbonising heat in buildings and improving energy efficiency throughout Edinburgh.

The Edinburgh Local Heat and Energy Efficiency Strategy (LHEES) sets out a strategic approach which addresses all buildings in the Edinburgh area, from the Council’s own estate to private homes and workplaces.

The Delivery Plan, which concentrates on actions between 2024 and 2028, sets out short to medium term actions associated with the implementation of the Edinburgh LHEES.

Among the actions are piloting the installation of heat pumps in specially selected areas of Edinburgh, formally designating “heat network zones” in Edinburgh, and increasing solar installations across the city.

The consultation, which closes on Sunday 3 March, will build on the engagement and consultation carried out to date.

Council Leader Cammy Day said: “We’ve extended the deadline for our consultation to make sure everyone has their say on our exciting plans to decarbonise the heat supply of buildings and improve energy efficiency.

“We’ve set the ambitious target to become a net zero city by 2030 and, although we’re making good progress, this plan will help us continue to lead the way in our efforts.

“The plan is relevant to all owners and occupiers of Edinburgh’s buildings so it’s important that everyone has their say. I would urge everyone who is yet to do so to visit our website and follow the necessary steps to share their feedback.”

Find out more and share views.

Edinburgh primary school awarded grant to support diversity and inclusion project

Frogston Primary School in Edinburgh has been awarded a share of £200,000 to support a progressive diversity and inclusion project, as part of the 2023/24 School Library Improvement Fund (SLIF).

Administered by the Scottish Library and Information Council (SLIC), on behalf of the Scottish Government, the Fund supports creative and innovative projects within the school library sector in Scotland.

Available to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools with a library, this year’s funding priority was given to applications which focused on supporting anti-racism and racial equality.

The £200,000 2023/24 SLIF has been allocated to a total of 21 initiatives across 13 local authority areas in Scotland, including the ‘Holistic Inclusion Hub’ project in Edinburgh.

Frogston Primary School’s ‘Holistic Inclusion Hub’ aims to support parents from diverse backgrounds and pupils with additional needs to meet, talk, learn, and access resources in a safe space.

The project, in collaboration with Edinburgh Libraries, aims to break down barriers with those who feel alienated from the school community and find it difficult to access school – and wider – services through the established channels, such as parents from ethnically diverse backgrounds and refugees.

This brings the total investment from the Scottish Government to £1.7m over the lifetime of SLIF, playing an important role in helping school library services achieve the key aims of ‘Vibrant Libraries, Thriving Schools: A National Strategy for School Libraries in Scotland 2018-2023’ – the strategic document for the development of school libraries in Scotland.

Congratulating the successful applicants, Jenny Gilruth, Cabinet Secretary for Education and Skills, said: “School libraries play a key role in our efforts to further boost literacy and continue improving attainment, but they are also places where positive values can be developed and celebrated.

“Projects supported by this funding will help young people to understand the harmful consequences of racism and ensure they feel empowered to challenge discrimination.

“Scotland’s school libraries are a vital resource, and all children should have access to the opportunities they provide. This funding will help ensure that young people from all backgrounds feel the full benefits.”

Available to all state-run nurseries, primary schools and secondary schools with a library, this year’s fund has been shared across 13 local authority areas, from Dumfries and Galloway to Aberdeen City. 

SLIC accepts up to two individual approaches per local authority and an unlimited number of collaborative applications to ensure equal opportunities across Scotland, with priority for the 2023/24 funding given to project applications focusing on supporting anti-racism and equality.

Pamela Tulloch, Chief Executive of SLIC, said: “School libraries play a key role in accelerating education and learning, and ensuring every young person has the chance to fulfil their full potential by enabling access to information and creative opportunities.

“Each child, school and local authority is different, with differing priorities, and therefore funding programmes like SLIF help to improve and expand the tailored services school libraries can provide.  That’s why it’s great to see Scotland’s school library services being proactive with their approaches with strong applications coming in from schools eager to further develop these resources.

“We’re particularly proud to award support to those advocating for anti-racism and anti-discrimination through this year’s Fund, with many projects aiming to increase access and support for pupils who may experience barriers to learning, including those with Additional Support Needs (ASN) and pupils with English as an Additional Language (EAL).

“Involving children and young people, and their families, in defining the school library service creates a flexible space for reflection and conversation where learning and creativity are encouraged in a nurturing environment.  We look forward to seeing these initiatives come to life.”

For more information on The School Library Improvement Fund, visit: 

scottishlibraries.org/funding/the-school-library-improvement-fund/

Using the power of sight loss to inspire others

Callum Lancashire appointed Engagement Manager for Sight Scotland

Sight Scotland, and Sight Scotland Veterans, in partnership with Visibility Scotland, have appointed Callum Lancashire as their new Engagement Manager to oversee the launch of Sight Loss Councils in Scotland.

Sight Loss Councils, funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are led by blind and partially sighted people who use lived experience to tackle local and national issues to improve the accessibility of services. The work of Sight Loss Councils is driven by three key priority areas: employment and skills, health and well-being, and inclusive communities.

Callum Lancashire, who has vision impairment, previously worked for Visibility Scotland as a Patient Support Worker, where he provided help and support to blind and partially sighted people at the Eye Pavilion in Edinburgh.

Callum is tasked with spearheading the establishment of Sight Loss Councils throughout Scotland, commencing with the Central Belt in March 2024.

He explains: “I am delighted to get started in my new role, as I believe it aligns perfectly with my skills and experience both from a professional point of view and a personal one.

“If I wasn’t in my current role, I would aspire to join the Sight Loss Councils, as I really believe they have the opportunity to create a tangible impact by amplifying the voices of individuals who are blind or partially sighted.

“I lost my sight when I was fifteen after a blow to the face caused macular degeneration. It was obviously a huge shock and extremely hard to take. What made matters worse is I was given no help or support; the doctors basically told me that at some point I was going to go blind and there was nothing they could do.

“After my accident I had huge problems at school and found myself in a bad place, I was constantly angry and upset. I just pushed it all down and as a result my mental health was all over the place. I want to try and make sure this does not happen to anyone else.

“I want these Councils to speak up for people with vision impairment, to show that their rights and well-being are just as important as anyone else’s and to create a supportive community where members feel empowered to share.

“My life changed when I started to speak to other people who had vision impairment, it was like something switched in my brain. Just talking to these people brought up feelings I didn’t know I had. I began to understand that I could still live my life although I had vision impairment, and that I didn’t have to feel sorry for myself. I began speaking to people more, my family and friends, and tried to explain to them what I was going through. I didn’t want extra help, I just needed them to understand.

“This is why the Sight Loss Councils are so important, as we want people to talk, share their experiences, share the things they like, their struggles and hopefully collectively we can make real changes for the better. Everybody has the right to be treated the same, whether that is going to work, the shops, football, rugby, or concerts; people with vision impairment shouldn’t be looked at as a problem, inclusivity should be a necessity.”

Callum adds: “I am incredibly proud to be in this job and to be representing the vision impairment community. Blind and partially sighted leaders bring firsthand experience and a deep understanding of the challenges faced by those with vision impairments ensuring their perspectives are accurately represented, leading to more informed decision-making.”

Craig Spalding, Chief Executive, Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “I am delighted that Callum Lancashire has joined us to spearhead the launch of Sight Loss Councils in Scotland.

“These councils will use lived experience to amplify the voices of blind and partially sighted people, helping to make vision loss the priority it needs to be in Scotland.”

For more information please visit: 

sightscotland.org.uk or sightscotlandveterans.org.uk