A new exhibition celebrating one hundred years of supporting visually impaired veterans in Scotland has opened at Central Library, Edinburgh…
The exhibition describes the work of the charity Scottish War Blinded, which was established in 1915 to provide rehabilitation, emotional support as well as vocational skills training to blinded soldiers returning to Scotland from World War One.
An engaging storyboard presentation titled ‘Graft, Camaraderie & Community’ will describe how the charity has developed since 1915 as a result of further conflicts and the evolving needs of Scottish War Blinded’s membership.
The charity opened its initial permanent residence at Newington House, Edinburgh in 1916 and would later establish further rehabilitation and vocational training centres in Wilkieston, West Lothian and Queen’s Crescent, Glasgow.
Industry is an integral part of Scottish War Blinded’s history where many members were employed in industrial workshops at Newington House, Linburn and Queen’s Crescent working alongside their fellow veterans throughout the 20th century.
Lifelong friendships were forged between the members in the workshops who, supported by friends and family, established communities of support through industry, sport and social events.
The exhibition concludes with a description of Scottish War Blinded today which now focuses on rehabilitation, activities and social opportunities to veterans of the armed forces who have a visual impairment sustained either in conflict or subsequently to their service.
A wide range of exhibits from Scottish War Blinded’s century of supporting visually impaired veterans will also feature including Braille typing machines, historic photographs, commercial workshop products and sporting memorabilia.
Scottish War Blinded Marketing Manager Davina Shiell said: “We invite people of all ages to visit our centenary exhibition at Central Library this month. As we mark the Armistice and remember those who lost their lives in World War One, it is also important to recognise the support provided to those who did return to Scotland wounded and blinded from the Western Front as well as learn about how the charity has developed since its foundation”.
The exhibition will run from 16-30 November 2015 from 10am-8pm.