RNIB Scotland

02/03/2026

Our colleague Ian hosted a sight loss awareness session with the crew at Elgin Fire Station!

These sessions allow organisations to learn more about the different types of visual impairment and how to provide the right support to blind and partially sighted people.

And of course, Ian had to try out the station's fire pole!

If your organisation is interested in sight loss awareness training, get in touch with us at rnibscotland@rnib.org.uk to find out more.

[Image descriptions: 1. Ian poses beside a large red fire truck, its blue lights flashing. 2. Wearing a heavy yellow helmet, Ian slides down a metal fire pole.]

Scottish Fire and Rescue Service

27/02/2026

The next Haggazine- the Haggeye e-newsletter is coming out soon!

Haggeye is our forum for blind and partially sighted young people across Scotland, and they have their own stories to tell. Don't miss future issues, subscribe today: http://eepurl.com/inmma6

[Image description: The Haggeye logo - a wee cartoon haggis wearing a red kilt and beret, poses beside a red envelope.]

25/02/2026

Join us for a focus group on video game accessibility!

We're looking for people with an interest in technology or video games who would be willing to participate in a focus group.

We will be hosting researchers from Abertay University, who'll be running a focus group on video game accessibility and whether accessibility features could allow visually impaired players to compete with sighted players in competitive games.

This focus group and testing session takes place on Thursday, March 12th at the RNIB Scotland community hub at Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh. It starts at 11 AM and will run no longer than 3 PM.

Your thoughts and feedback on this subject will directly influence the ongoing design of accessibility features through the research work, acting as a form of co-design with lived experience. Credits in any output work would be given (name or username) showing your participation in the focus group studies, as long as you wish to be included in the credits and not remain anonymous.

If you wish to take part, please contact RNIB Scotland Social Action Community Coordinator James Kyle by phone on 0131 652 3199 or email at james.kyle@rnib.org.uk.

A reminder of the details:
Where: RNIB Scotland, 12 – 14 Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh.
When: 11 AM – 3 PM, Thursday March 12th

[Image description: A pair of hands holding a games controller in front of a bright pink screen with the RNIB Scotland logo.]

24/02/2026

The future must be accessible, inclusive and shaped by disabled people.

Proud to have our Haggeye Family members helping to lead that conversation at Scotland’s Disability Summit!

Haggeye members Eilidh, Fin, and Georgea were delighted to co-chair several workshops at Scotland’s Disability Summit this weekend. They also did a fantastic job delivering powerful feedback to the chamber.

They joined over 300 disabled people and advocates who came together to champion the rights of disabled people, to reflect on progress and look to the future.

We're very proud to have young voices young leading the conversation and driving change!

[Image description: Eilidh, Fin, and Georgea together smiling, the windows at the Scottish Parliament in the background.]

The Scottish Parliament

23/02/2026

"They had a Roberts Radio, which was exactly the same as the one I bought back in 1972, for the princely sum of £35 and 72p- I remember that figure! I couldn't resist taking the back off to see if the batteries were still in there..."

Earlier this month, we launched a community display at Kelvin Hall featuring stories of objects that our curators used to use. Radio man Terry told RNIB Connect Radio's Amelia all about the Roberts radio, and some of the other items in the display.

Listen in: https://audioboom.com/posts/8856386-your-stories-community-curator-terry

[Image descriptions: 1. Terry sat down in the Glasgow Life museum archive, handling a Roberts radio. 2. Around a table with various items, Terry and the other curators talk. 3. Closer up in the final display, the record player, a Walkman and the radio all feature next to some stories from the curators. 4. Terry, wearing blue handling gloves, holds a folded white cane.]

19/02/2026

What's alt-text and how do you include it?

Alt-text is a really simple way to make your posts more accessible. It describes what an image is of, and whether there's any text within it. For those using screen-readers to read aloud posts, they'll hear what an image is of, rather than a computer's guess, or just the word, 'image'!

On Facebook, you can add alt-text by first uploading your image, and then using the edit button, usually at the top left of the image. Select the alternative text option, and write a useful description of what is in the image. Don't forget to click 'Save'. You won't see your alt text on your post, but it'll be read aloud for those using screen readers.

It can also be useful to write an image description within your post or image caption as we've done below. Give it a go!

[Image description: Billy and Sylvia sitting together in our café laughing and enjoying each other’s company. Billy is holding an RNIB mug with a slice of cake in front of him, while Sylvia holds her own RNIB mug. The table is set with cutlery, napkins, and condiments.]

17/02/2026

New national standards for Diabetic Eye Screening in Scotland are published today by Healthcare Improvement Scotland

These standards set out what good diabetic eye screening should look like across the country. They guide how services are delivered, what support people should receive, and how information is shared. In short, they help make sure everyone gets safe, consistent and person centred care.

We are pleased to see important changes that RNIB Scotland called for included in the final standards.

This includes recognising the role of Eye Care Liaison Officers, who provide practical and emotional support to people at every stage of their eye care journey. Sight loss can be overwhelming, and having someone there to explain what is happening and what support is available can make a real difference.

The new standards also highlight the importance of accessible information. People must be able to receive information in a format that works for them, whether that is large print, audio, braille or digital. Access to the right information at the right time helps people feel informed and in control of their eye health.

Laura Jones, NHS Engagement Manager at RNIB Scotland, said:

"Non clinical support is essential to ensure people receive the right help at the right time. It can help them feel more confident and in control of their eye health.

"It's encouraging to see the inclusion of accessible information recognised in these new standards. RNIB Scotland was part of the development group and we were able to co-design and collaborate the DES pathway to make it as practical and empathic as possible."

We will continue working with partners to make sure diabetic eye screening services work for everyone.

Read more here: https://www.healthcareimprovementscotland.scot/publications/diabetic-eye-screening-standards/

[Image description: In an eye examination room, a man smiles as he talks with an optician. She’s also smiling and holds a tablet in one hand.]

17/02/2026

Making pancakes can be just as much fun as eating them; this should be no different for someone who is blind or partially sighted.

We've got the products to help make it easier, find them in our shop!

Flippin' heck, it's nearly Pancake Day! These product picks will help you produce delicious pancakes on 17 February, and make cooking easier every other day of the year too... 1. Talking kitchen scale with easy-to-see jug Make your batter better by accu...

13/02/2026

Upcoming drop-in events in Campbeltown and Eyemouth!

We had to postpone our visit to Campbeltown in January due to the weather, but we'll now be there on Wednesday 18 February! Come and chat to us, Argyll & Bute Sensory Services and Sight & Sound Technologies. Find us at Campbeltown Hospital Room 79, from midday until 3pm.

We're also going to be in Eyemouth the following week on Monday 23 February, at Eyemouth Public Library from 10:30am - 2pm.

Whether you're new to sight loss or just seeking some support, we're here to help.

Pop Ian a message if you need any more details at: ian.white@rnib.org.uk

[Image description: Ian and Gail from RNIB Scotland stand together at an RNIB Scotland display table with various assistive items and information booklets.

12/02/2026

Talking Books is 90 years old!

We're marking nine decades of one of our most loved services, which brings the pleasure of reading to thousands of blind and partially sighted people. Today, more than 70,000 users enjoy our Talking Books.

To celebrate, we’ve recorded a special anniversary edition of Pride and Prejudice with an all-star cast – including Scottish actor Mark Bonnar, who lends his voice to the story.

Listen now: rnib.in/TalkingBooks90

[Image description: Mark in the recording booth for Talking Books, with the Talking Books 90 logo in the corner of the image.]

11/02/2026

Come & Try It! Fancy finding out more about us or giving tandem riding a go? We have a Come & Try It session coming up. It's a fun and relaxed morning and no tandem experience is required!

📅 Sunday 15th February
🕙 10:00am - 11:30am
📍 Saughton Park, Edinburgh

Email us at hello@vievelo.org for more information or to book your space.

The photo shows 7 tandem teams enjoying some blue sky at Fisherrow Harbour in Musselburgh.

10/02/2026

We've been at the today, and we'll be back tomorrow! There's been lots of great conversations about including young blind and partially sighted people, accessible social media, inclusive employment and recruitment practices.

If you can't make it along, we're always up for a chat about any questions you might have about engaging and including blind and partially sighted people in your organisation. Pop us a message anytime!

[Image description: Georgea and Dan sitting at our stall, with Haggeye tablecloth and banner, and an RNIB Scotland banner and leaflets too.]