RNIB Scotland

24/04/2026

Pleased to see the BBC talking about the new changes that will make voting more accessible this May.

New card overlays and audio-described ballot papers will help blind and partially sighted voters make their mark with more confidence, independence, and secrecy.

Read more:

An improved system to safeguard the anonymous vote will be used across Scotland on 7 May.

23/04/2026

Fort William and Mallaig- we're coming to you!

Come and say hello to Ian, and speak to him about local sight loss support and advice.

We'll be at Mallaig Library on Wednesday 29 April from 1pm to 5pm, and Fort William Library on Thursday 30 April from 12 noon to 4pm.

Whether you've engaged with us before, or are new to sight loss and seeking support, we're here to help. Family and friends are also welcome to come along and ask questions.

[Image description: Ian standing at an RNIB Scotland stall with a banner and table with pink tablecloth and lots of leaflets and other items displayed.]

22/04/2026

Interested in improving your public speaking skills?

We're partnering with Glasgow Speakers Club to run a weekly Public Speaking course for blind and partially sighted people this summer.

We know public speaking can be daunting, but this course will help you build confidence in all kinds of situations from social settings to job interviews.

Let us know you're interested by popping a message to Conor.Joseph@rnib.org.uk

[Image description: Allan from RNIB Connect Radio speaks with confidence at a conference podium, with a BSL interpreter next to him.]

21/04/2026

20/04/2026

We're pleased to announce Seagull Trust Cruises - Ratho have officially launched their audio described canal cruises!

Our team of volunteers have been involved in the design and creation of the audio description from the beginning, providing feedback and user testing to make it the best it can be. And now it's ready to be enjoyed!

Find out more in the video below, or contact: rathobookings@seagulltrustcruises.org.uk to book!

17/04/2026

Here's a reminder of the new voting aid you can use at the polling station this May!

Remember, the deadline for registering to vote is this Monday 20 April. Register here: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

16/04/2026

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: Jimmy and Daryl sit in a library, at a RNIB Scotland stall, with banner and bright pink tablecloth. On their table are lots of gadgets and aids for visitors to try.]

14/04/2026

We've had some great visits to Kelvingrove Museum and Provan Hall house recently!

The groups had descriptive tours and object handling opportunities, to help them enjoy their visits even more. They even found a wild haggis on display!

Having previously delivered visual awareness sessions to colleagues at these venues, it was great to see their accessibility and inclusion knowledge put into practice.

It’s encouraging to see how inclusive approaches can make cultural spaces more welcoming and enjoyable for everyone.

To join one of our upcoming museum visits to Kelvin Hall on 6 May, or Riverside Museum on 3 June, contact: ScotlandCommunityConnection@rnib.org.uk

[Image description: 1. At Kelvingrove, a participant handles a neck vertebrae bone from a giraffe. 2. The group outside at Provan hall, listening to a guide. 3. In a white brick cellar space at Provan hall, the group listen to the guide. 4. The group listen to the guide inside the living quarters at Provan hall. 5. At Kelvingrove, a guide smiles and gestures towards a haggis on display.]

Provan Hall Kelvingrove Art Gallery & Museum

13/04/2026

David lives on one of Scotland's remote islands. When his ophthalmologist referred him to an RNIB Eye Care Liaison Officer (ECLO), he didn’t want to have the urgent surgery needed to save his remaining sight.

Our ECLO gave David a call. He was anxious, but she took the time to listen. Eventually, David opened up about why he didn’t want to go. The surgery was on the mainland, at a hospital he had difficult personal memories with, and he couldn't face going back.

She explained that eye surgery is no longer at the hospital but at a specialist treatment centre. She also suggested counselling, to help him with what he was going through.

Funding was arranged for someone to travel with David from the island. The onsite ECLO at the treatment centre was briefed and ready to meet him and David’s medical team were kept informed, so they were ready for his stay.

David went ahead with his surgery and stayed on the ward for a week for further treatment, with face-to-face support from the onsite ECLO throughout.

During his stay, David mentioned he often spilled his tea. The ECLO told him about a liquid level indicator, a simple device that makes hot drinks safer to prepare.

When David got home, he told us: "The only people I trust are the two ECLOs. Without their support I would not have had my surgery."

Good support after sight loss means having someone who understands your practical and emotional needs and is there for you when it matters most. If you or someone you know is affected by sight loss, we’re here to help.

RNIB Scotland is backing the Support After Sight Loss Campaign as part of Vision Collaborative Scotland. Our manifesto also calls on the Scottish Government to improve support after sight loss so that everyone in Scotland, wherever they live, gets the support they need.

Read on our website:

Support after sight loss

10/04/2026

Make sure your voice is heard in the Scottish Parliament elections this May: register to vote before Monday 20 April!

Register to vote: https://www.gov.uk/register-to-vote

More on our website about voting accessibility: https://www.rnib.org.uk/nations/scotland/voting-in-scotland-and-uk-elections/

[Image description: A woman smiling and kneeling in a garden in front of a rock and flower bed with plants which spell out 'I'm registered to vote'. The Electoral Commission logo.]

08/04/2026

Come and meet our friends from VisionAid at our next Products event on Thursday 16 April, from 10:30 - 3:30.

Find out more about their products from friendly and knowledgeable specialists, including voice-activated mobile phones; handheld, transportable and desktop magnification; having information read aloud; and hands-free magnification.

Find us at our community hub at 12-14 Hillside Crescent, Edinburgh.

[Image description: Alan, holding his folded up white cane, looks at magnifiers and lights in our Product Centre.]

07/04/2026

Sun, wind, rain… then sun again! But whatever the weather, this World Health Day we've got two simple reminders for your eyes.

Wear your sunglasses: UV rays can damage your eyes and increase your risk of conditions like cataracts. Look for the CE or BS mark when buying a pair.

Book a free eye test: They don't just check your vision, they can pick up early signs of other health conditions too.

All about keeping your eyes healthy: https://www.rnib.org.uk/your-eyes/how-to-keep-your-eyes-healthy/

[Image description: A pair of lambs lying down in snow on a sunny day. We've added some cartoon pink sunglasses to protect their eyes!]