Sight Loss Councils launch in Dumfries and Galloway, Scotland

Sight Loss Councils (SLC) Scotland officially launched its Dumfries and Galloway council at a special event on Friday 5 September 2025.

Sight Loss Councils in Scotland are delivered by Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans and Visibility Scotland, with funding from the Thomas Pocklington Trust. This is the third SLC in Scotland, joining those already established in Edinburgh and Glasgow. The event will bring together local people, community organisations and prospective volunteers to celebrate the new council and learn more about the work of Sight Loss Councils across Scotland.

Sight Loss Councils meet monthly and play a crucial role in advocating on issues that matter to blind and partially sighted people, and promoting a more inclusive and accessible society in Scotland. Each SLC is made up of a small group of blind and partially sighted volunteers who use their own lived experience to tackle local and national issues which are important to them.

Callum Lancashire, Engagement Manager for Sight Loss Councils Scotland, knows first-hand how important this work is. He lost his sight at fifteen after an accident caused macular degeneration. At the time, he had no support and struggled with his mental health. It was only when he met others with visual impairment and shared experiences that he realised he could still live a full and active life.

Callum explains:

“I am excited about the launch of the Dumfries and Galloway Sight Loss Council. I know through my own lived experience how vital it is to be heard and understood. The idea behind the SLCs is that 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.”

He added:

“With rates of visual impairment in Dumfries and Galloway comparable to or above the national average, there is a real local demand for a council like this. Our new SLC is an exciting opportunity to ensure the voices of visually impaired people are heard across the region. If SLCs are to make a real difference we need people to take part, and to achieve this we need to create a fun and supportive environment where members feel comfortable and empowered to share. If this sounds like something you would like to be part of, or if you know someone who might, please get in touch.”

For more information about Sight Loss Councils in Scotland, please visit sightscotland.org.uk

Publication date: 10 October 2025