Commending the Work of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans

That the Parliament commends the work of Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans at their many facilities across Scotland, including the Linburn Centre, Wilkieston, in the Central Scotland and Lothians West Region and the Hawkhead Centre in Paisley, Renfrewshire, their two activity hubs for veterans with sight loss; understands that, established in 1915 to support servicemen who were blinded in the Second World War, Sight Scotland Veterans helps blind and partially sighted veterans no matter how or when they lost their sight, including those who did national service, to adapt to life with a visual impairment; acknowledges that the services offered by these charities are as diverse as the individuals that they support, recognising that everyone faces different challenges and have individual goals and that this is the reason their teams work with individuals in the way that is right for them; notes that they give support, which ranges from practical advice and identifying solutions that help the service users remain as independent as possible, as well as vital emotional support and opportunities of meeting others facing sight loss; further notes that sight Scotland Veterans can also provide specialist equipment free of charge to aid independence in day-to-day tasks, from talking watches, cooking aids and electronic magnifiers, to digital technology such as smartphones or tablets with specialist software for people with sight loss; acknowledges that the charity’s expert rehabilitation teams offer one-to-one assessments and tailored training for specialist equipment and cane and mobility training; notes that the Linburn Centre will host a free open event on 19 September 2026 as part of the West Lothian Doors Open Days festival; wishes everyone involved all the very best with this event, and congratulates both charities on all their highly magnanimous endeavours.