Sight Loss Council Opens in Dumfries and Galloway

Date posted: 9th October 2025

A new Sight Loss Council supporting blind and partially sighted people was launched last month in Dumfries and Galloway.

Sight Scotland, Scotland Veterans and Visibility Scotland have come together to create the Dumfries and Galloway Sight Loss Council (SLC). They will champion the voices of members, who are committed to creating inclusive and accessible communities. The new SLC is third in Scotland following the establishment of two others in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

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. Callum explains:

“I am excited to launch the Dumfries and Galloway Sight Loss Council, and I hope as many people as possible come along to find out about what we are doing and how we can work together to improve the lives of people with visual impairment. I know through my own lived experience how vital it is to be heard and understood. The idea behind the SLC’s 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.”

Sight Loss Councils (SLCs), funded by Thomas Pocklington Trust, are led by blind and partially sighted people who use lived experience to tackle local and national issues to improve the accessibility of services. 

Each SLC is made up of a small group of blind and partially sighted volunteers who meet monthly to plan projects in their regions. These priorities include accessible transport and streets so everyone can travel independently and safely. They also work to increase the accessibility of healthcare, shopping, museums and galleries, and sports and leisure facilities, depending on the needs of the local area. 

For more information about the SLC visit: sightscotland.org.uk.