Bilal Iqbal from Livingston, and Ellen Verth from Edinburgh, who are both visually impaired, have teamed up to take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk 2026 in support of Sight Scotland.
Bilal, who has been severely sight impaired since birth, and Ellen, who became visually impaired following a brain injury sustained in a cycling accident in 2012, have been friends for several years. Despite her own visual impairment, Ellen retains limited vision on her left side and regularly guides Bilal on outings, trips and at events.
Bilal, 31, who went to the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh and now works at the Scottish Braille Press as a Braille proofreader, comments: “I have wanted to take on a fundraising challenge for Sight Scotland for some time.
“Having attended the Royal Blind School, worked at the Scottish Braille Press, and been involved with Sight Scotland’s Policy Group and Sight Loss Councils Edinburgh, I have seen first-hand the incredible work the charity does.
“Sight Scotland not only provides vital support to people with visual impairments, but also works tirelessly to improve accessibility, raise awareness, and create opportunities for people with visual impairment across Scotland. Taking part in the Edinburgh Kiltwalk feels like a good way to give something back and help support that important work.
“It’s great to be taking part in the Kiltwalk with Ellen. We have been friends since 2018, and she has been a tremendous support to me, guiding me on days out and to events. We do something together at least once or twice a month. Ellen is truly inspirational. She has been through so much, yet she still finds time to help others. She supports me in so many ways, and I can’t thank her enough.”
Ellen, who also volunteers with Sight Loss Councils Edinburgh, comments: “My accident happened in 2012.
“I was on a cycling trip with my partner near Peebles when I crashed. I do not remember the accident itself, but I was in hospital for six months and spent five-and-a-half weeks in a coma. The accident resulted in a severe brain injury that caused both visual and cognitive impairments. I can be forgetful now and sometimes get confused, which can be frustrating.
“However, I also consider myself fortunate because I still have some vision. My sight is hazy, and not good on my right side, and I may also be developing a cataract. But I am still capable, and recently I travelled to Australia and Thailand which was amazing.
“I love being part of Sight Loss Councils Edinburgh, it has had a huge impact on my life. It gets me out of the house, keeps me active, and gives me a real sense of purpose. Sight Loss Councils are all about helping people and making the world more accessible for those living with visual impairment.
“Before my accident, I was always busy with work. I ran my own financial consultancy business and regularly travelled to London. Then, after the accident, there were several years when life became much quieter.
“When you are not connected with other people who have visual impairments, it can be easy to feel isolated. Being part of the Sight Loss Councils reminds us that we are not alone. We support one another, challenge misconceptions, and help people understand that we are still capable of living full, active lives and doing the things they enjoy.
“That is one of the reasons it’s so great to be taking part in the Kiltwalk for Sight Scotland. Raising money is important, but just as importantly, it’s an opportunity to raise awareness of the challenges people with visual impairment face and to highlight the support that is available.”
Sight Loss Councils Scotland are run by Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans and Visibility Scotland and are delivered in partnership with the Thomas Pocklington Trust. There are currently three Sight Loss Councils in Scotland, based in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dumfries and Galloway.
Each Council is made up of a group of visually impaired volunteers who draw on their lived experience to address local and national issues and to champion accessibility, inclusion and equality.
For more information visit sightscotland.org.uk.
