Latest news with #SightScotland
Daily Record
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Daily Record
West Lothian disabled veterans facing eviction 'must be offered new homes'
Conservative group leader and ex-RAF serviceman Councillor Damian Doran-Timson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service said he understood the financial problems the charity faced but was 'dismayed' at the sell-off plans, and called on it to reconsider. The Conservative leader on West Lothian Council has called for disabled veterans facing eviction to be offered a home for a home. Linburn estate at Wilkieston has been home to tenants of Sight Scotland Veterans - formerly Scottish War Blinded - for decades. The decision to sell off large parts of the estate for housing development affects a total of 13 residential properties on the site, including seven veterans with vision impairment and six private tenants. Conservative group leader and ex-RAF serviceman Councillor Damian Doran-Timson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service said he understood the financial problems the charity faced but was 'dismayed' at the sell-off plans, and called on it to reconsider. 'I met with Sight Scotland last week and listened to their views and whilst I believe they do need to look at revenue and income, I request they look at any other options they may have. 'As part of the sale to a developer, I ask the charity to include the clause that like for like houses are built for those that currently live at Linburn and the developer/housing association manage the properties that the current residents are in.' The charity has told residents to find new homes within a year as it revealed plans to sell the land for development. It comes after Sight Scotland Veterans faced losses of more than £18m over the last four years. The charity stressed it was working with residents and no one was facing immediate eviction. Veterans said they fear spending the rest of their lives on the housing waiting list which already has around 11,000 names. West Lothian Council confirmed that no plans for development had been lodged. The news earlier this week prompted the Leader of the Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick to write to the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, asking him to 'intervene immediately and help these veterans'. Councillor Doran-Timson also called on Sight Scotland help the Military Museum of Scotland, located on the estate, to relocate if it has to. He added: 'As I have been for a number of years, I am still pressing the council to also identify land in West Lothian that can host the Military Museum.' Founder and curator of the museum, Ian Inglis, told the LDRS that the letter from Sight Scotland had been ' a bit of a shock' but was not unexpected. And he vowed: 'Military Museum Scotland will not close and we will continue our work with veterans.' He said: 'There is no guarantee that housing will be built there, however it has been on the council's Local Development Plan for over 10 years. 'All I have been told is that we have about a year to leave as the land is being sold to help fund Sight Scotland. 'If we were to move out in a year, I think we would have to close the museum now and start packing. That is out of the question as we have bookings right up to the end of the year, and I will not disappoint anyone by cancelling their booking.' Mr Inglis added: 'We have needed a much larger premises for years, we have been looking, but now the pressure is on. There is a place out there with our name on it, we just have to find it. We will be officially launching our campaign next week to try and find somewhere and to raise funds to help with a move. 'Sight Scotland veterans have to do what they have to do to survive as they do great work helping and supporting veterans, as we do. 'It's just a shame that they feel the need to evict veterans from their homes and to evict another Veterans Charity to do that.' Craig Spalding, Sight Scotland Veterans Chief Executive, said: 'Selling the land will secure the financial future of the charity. However, it will mean that the existing housing on the site will need to be demolished. 'We recognise that we have a duty of care to the existing tenants and are committed to finding each tenant alternative living arrangements that are as good as, if not better than, their current accommodation. 'The proceeds from this sale will enable us to continue providing life-changing support at our Linburn Centre, as well as preserving and strengthening the essential services we provide across the country.' Mr Spalding added: 'We recognise that this decision will unfortunately impact current estate tenants, including veterans with vision impairment, and have extended the notice period to a full year. We wish to make it clear that no one faces immediate eviction. 'The charity is committed to working closely with each tenant to help them find suitable alternative accommodation and minimise disruption by offering personalised support through our Financial Well-being service. We informed the tenants of our long-term intentions at this stage; in order to start a conversation with each tenant to understand their specific needs so we can support them effectively.' Councillor Fitzpatrick told the LDRS: 'This must be a very worrying time for the veterans and their families and it is very upsetting to hear that they are being faced with such an uncertain future at Linburn, along with the museum and veterans centre who do a wonderful job. 'I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministry of Defence to ask them to intervene immediately and help these veterans. It cannot be left that veterans - who have proudly served their country - are left facing eviction from a community that they belong to.' A council spokesperson told the LDRS: 'The council has not received a planning application or granted consent for the redevelopment of the veteran's village at Wilkieston. However, we are preparing a new Local Development Plan. 'Through the 'call for ideas' part of this process we have been made aware by Sight Scotland that they wish to dispose of this site for market and affordable homes. 'We are currently reviewing all proposals submitted to the 'call for ideas' to see if they are suitable for development. A proposed plan will be published in due course.'
Edinburgh Reporter
11 hours ago
- Politics
- Edinburgh Reporter
Call for disabled veterans facing eviction to be offered ‘a home for a home'
The Conservative leader on West Lothian Council has called for disabled veterans facing eviction to be offered a home for a home. Linburn estate at Wilkieston has been home to tenants of Sight Scotland Veterans – formerly Scottish War Blinded – for decades. The decision to sell off large parts of the estate for housing development affects a total of 13 residential properties on the site, including seven veterans with vision impairment and six private tenants. Conservative group leader and ex-RAF serviceman Councillor Damian Doran-Timson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service said he understood the financial problems the charity faced but was 'dismayed' at the sell-off plans and called on it to reconsider. 'I met with Sight Scotland last week and listened to their views and whilst I believe they do need to look at revenue and income, I request they look at any other options they may have. 'As part of the sale to a developer, I ask the charity to include the clause that like for like houses are built for those that currently live at Linburn and the developer/housing association manage the properties that the current residents are in.' The charity has told residents to find new homes within a year as it revealed plans to sell the land for development. It comes after Sight Scotland Veterans faced losses of more than £18m over the last four years. The charity stressed it was working with residents, and no one was facing immediate eviction. Veterans said they fear spending the rest of their lives on the housing waiting list which already has around 11,000 names. West Lothian Council confirmed that no plans for development had been lodged. The news earlier this week prompted the Leader of the Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick to write to the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, asking him to 'intervene immediately and help these veterans'. Councillor Doran-Timson also called on Sight Scotland help the Military Museum of Scotland, located on the estate, to relocate if it has to. He added: 'As I have been for a number of years, I am still pressing the council to also identify land in West Lothian that can host the Military Museum.' Founder and curator of the museum, Ian Inglis, told the LDRS that the letter from Sight Scotland had been ' a bit of a shock' but was not unexpected. And he vowed: 'Military Museum Scotland will not close and we will continue our work with veterans.' He said: 'There is no guarantee that housing will be built there, however it has been on the council's Local Development Plan for over 10 years. 'All I have been told is that we have about a year to leave as the land is being sold to help fund Sight Scotland. 'If we were to move out in a year, I think we would have to close the museum now and start packing. That is out of the question as we have bookings right up to the end of the year, and I will not disappoint anyone by cancelling their booking.' Mr Inglis added: 'We have needed a much larger premises for years, we have been looking, but now the pressure is on. There is a place out there with our name on it, we just have to find it. We will be officially launching our campaign next week to try and find somewhere and to raise funds to help with a move. 'Sight Scotland veterans have to do what they have to do to survive as they do great work helping and supporting veterans, as we do. 'It's just a shame that they feel the need to evict veterans from their homes and to evict another Veterans Charity to do that.' Craig Spalding, Sight Scotland Veterans Chief Executive, said: 'Selling the land will secure the financial future of the charity. However, it will mean that the existing housing on the site will need to be demolished. 'We recognise that we have a duty of care to the existing tenants and are committed to finding each tenant alternative living arrangements that are as good as, if not better than, their current accommodation. 'The proceeds from this sale will enable us to continue providing life-changing support at our Linburn Centre, as well as preserving and strengthening the essential services we provide across the country.' Mr Spalding added: 'We recognise that this decision will unfortunately impact current estate tenants, including veterans with vision impairment, and have extended the notice period to a full year. We wish to make it clear that no one faces immediate eviction. 'The charity is committed to working closely with each tenant to help them find suitable alternative accommodation and minimise disruption by offering personalised support through our Financial Well-being service. We informed the tenants of our long-term intentions at this stage; in order to start a conversation with each tenant to understand their specific needs so we can support them effectively.' Councillor Fitzpatrick told the LDRS: 'This must be a very worrying time for the veterans and their families, and it is very upsetting to hear that they are being faced with such an uncertain future at Linburn, along with the museum and veterans centre who do a wonderful job. 'I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministry of Defence to ask them to intervene immediately and help these veterans. It cannot be left that veterans – who have proudly served their country – are left facing eviction from a community that they belong to.' A council spokesperson told the LDRS: 'The council has not received a planning application or granted consent for the redevelopment of the veteran's village at Wilkieston. However, we are preparing a new Local Development Plan. 'Through the 'call for ideas' part of this process we have been made aware by Sight Scotland that they wish to dispose of this site for market and affordable homes. 'We are currently reviewing all proposals submitted to the 'call for ideas' to see if they are suitable for development. A proposed plan will be published in due course.' By Stuart Sommerville, Local Democracy Reporter Like this: Like Related
Edinburgh Live
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian disabled veterans facing eviction 'must be offered new homes'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The Conservative leader on West Lothian Council has called for disabled veterans facing eviction to be offered a home for a home. Linburn estate at Wilkieston has been home to tenants of Sight Scotland Veterans – formerly Scottish War Blinded – for decades. The decision to sell off large parts of the estate for housing development affects a total of 13 residential properties on the site, including seven veterans with vision impairment and six private tenants. Conservative group leader and ex-RAF serviceman Councillor Damian Doran-Timson told the Local Democracy Reporting Service said he understood the financial problems the charity faced but was 'dismayed' at the sell-off plans, and called on it to reconsider. 'I met with Sight Scotland last week and listened to their views and whilst I believe they do need to look at revenue and income, I request they look at any other options they may have. 'As part of the sale to a developer, I ask the charity to include the clause that like for like houses are built for those that currently live at Linburn and the developer/housing association manage the properties that the current residents are in.' The charity has told residents to find new homes within a year as it revealed plans to sell the land for development. It comes after Sight Scotland Veterans faced losses of more than £18m over the last four years. The charity stressed it was working with residents and no one was facing immediate eviction. Veterans said they fear spending the rest of their lives on the housing waiting list which already has around 11,000 names. West Lothian Council confirmed that no plans for development had been lodged. The news earlier this week prompted the Leader of the Council Lawrence Fitzpatrick to write to the Secretary of State for Defence, John Healey, asking him to "intervene immediately and help these veterans". Councillor Doran-Timson also called on Sight Scotland help the Military Museum Scotland, located on the estate, to relocate if it has to. He added: 'As I have been for a number of years, I am still pressing the council to also identify land in West Lothian that can host the Military Museum.' Founder and curator of the museum, Ian Inglis, told the LDRS that the letter from Sight Scotland had been ' a bit of a shock' but was not unexpected. (Image: Military Museum Scotland) And he vowed: 'Military Museum Scotland will not close and we will continue our work with veterans.' He said: "There is no guarantee that housing will be built there, however it has been on the council's Local Development Plan for over 10 years. 'All I have been told is that we have about a year to leave as the land is being sold to help fund Sight Scotland. 'If we were to move out in a year, I think we would have to close the museum now and start packing. That is out of the question as we have bookings right up to the end of the year, and I will not disappoint anyone by cancelling their booking.' Mr Inglis added: 'We have needed a much larger premises for years, we have been looking, but now the pressure is on. There is a place out there with our name on it, we just have to find it. We will be officially launching our campaign next week to try and find somewhere and to raise funds to help with a move. 'Sight Scotland veterans have to do what they have to do to survive as they do great work helping and supporting veterans, as we do. ' It's just a shame that they feel the need to evict veterans from their homes and to evict another Veterans Charity to do that.' Craig Spalding, Sight Scotland Veterans Chief Executive, said: 'Selling the land will secure the financial future of the charity. However, it will mean that the existing housing on the site will need to be demolished. 'We recognise that we have a duty of care to the existing tenants and are committed to finding each tenant alternative living arrangements that are as good as, if not better than, their current accommodation. 'The proceeds from this sale will enable us to continue providing life-changing support at our Linburn Centre, as well as preserving and strengthening the essential services we provide across the country.' Mr Spalding added: 'We recognise that this decision will unfortunately impact current estate tenants, including veterans with vision impairment, and have extended the notice period to a full year. We wish to make it clear that no one faces immediate eviction. 'The charity is committed to working closely with each tenant to help them find suitable alternative accommodation and minimise disruption by offering personalised support through our Financial Well-being service. We informed the tenants of our long-term intentions at this stage; in order to start a conversation with each tenant to understand their specific needs so we can support them effectively.' Councillor Fitzpatrick told the LDRS: 'This must be a very worrying time for the veterans and their families and it is very upsetting to hear that they are being faced with such an uncertain future at Linburn, along with the museum and veterans centre who do a wonderful job. 'I have written to the Secretary of State for Defence and the Ministry of Defence to ask them to intervene immediately and help these veterans. It cannot be left that veterans – who have proudly served their country – are left facing eviction from a community that they belong to.' A council spokesperson told the LDRS: ' The council has not received a planning application or granted consent for the redevelopment of the veteran's village at Wilkieston. However, we are preparing a new Local Development Plan . 'Through the 'call for ideas' part of this process we have been made aware by Sight Scotland that they wish to dispose of this site for market and affordable homes. ' We are currently reviewing all proposals submitted to the 'call for ideas' to see if they are suitable for development. A proposed plan will be published in due course.'
Edinburgh Live
27-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Blind East Lothian woman on 'staying connected to the world' after feeling 'unsafe'
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info An East Lothian woman was born blind has said 'even the most positive person needs help'. Freda Steel, now 68-years-old, enrolled with the Royal Blind School in Edinburgh at the age of five. After her 'world was opened up', she learned how to cook, clean and move around safely - as well as gaining confidence. Now living in Musselburgh, Freda faced new challenges later in life. She got the help she needed from Sight Scotland, and is now urging those who can to donate to the charity. Reflecting on her journey, Freda (who is affectionately known by her loved ones as Mouse), said: "I was just a wee girl from Lanarkshire, and they [Royal Blind School] opened up the world to me. "I learned everything other children did, but also how to live independently – how to cook, clean, move about safely. They gave me the confidence to just get on with life." Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 60 years later, Freda found herself in need of help again. She continued: 'I still cherish my independence, but I was no longer able to easily go out alone. "I can't use my long cane due to nerve damage in my fingers, and with all the street furniture, bins, new bus stops and low kerbs, it became increasingly difficult. I just didn't feel safe, so I decided to get back in touch with Sight Scotland, and they were there for me just like they were 60 years earlier. 'They introduced me to Tam, a volunteer befriender, and I can't tell you how much of a difference that has made. Every Tuesday, Tam comes to see me. We go for a walk, have a coffee, go shopping, and have a good chat. It keeps me connected to the world. He's become a true friend." Freda hopes that by sharing her story, others will be encouraged to support Sight Scotland. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sentstraight to your messages. Freda adds: "I love my wee house, I do everything myself, all the cooking, the cleaning and I'm so proud of that. I've always tried to stay positive. But even the most positive person needs help sometimes. Sight Scotland has been there for me every step of the way. "I want people to know what this charity does. They don't just offer practical help, they offer hope. They've been there for me my whole life. If my story can inspire just one person to donate, then it's worth sharing. Sight Scotland is a lifeline, and we need to make sure it's there for everyone who needs it." Karen Hodgins, Head of Fundraising and Audience Development, shares: "The need for support is growing, and it's vital that everyone living with sight loss can access help when they need it most. "Every year, we respond to thousands of calls from people like Freda, but we rely on public support to continue."
Scotsman
07-05-2025
- General
- Scotsman
I'll never forget the day the war ended, we'd been through so much, and suddenly there was hope again
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Royal Navy veteran Hector McDonald, 99, from Livingston, was invited to attend the VE Day 80 Concert on Thursday after an interview he gave to the BBC, arranged by Sight Scotland Veterans which has supported Hector for more than 10 years. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... I joined the Royal Navy when I was 18 and served from October 1943 until September 1946. During my time at sea, I braved the perilous conditions of the Atlantic Ocean as part of the Arctic Convoys, a vital but dangerous mission that helped sustain the Allied war effort. I was awarded the Atlantic Star, a medal created to honour those who served in the freezing and treacherous northern seas during the Second World War. I later served in the Pacific, including operations in the Philippines and Japan. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hector alongside his Aircraft Handling Crew during WW2. | Sight Scotland/ Hector McDonald When victory in Europe was declared, we were given two bottles of beer, but the war wasn't over for us. We still had to fight on in the Pacific. We were just north of Tokyo when we heard the Japanese had surrendered. I attended victory parades in Sydney and Melbourne. It is hard to believe its 80 years ago since the war ended. VE day is a day to remember what happened and is a reminder to us all about the horror of war, but it is not a celebration. Too much happened to celebrate. I'll never forget the day the war ended, there was such relief. We'd been through so much, and suddenly there was hope again. I am visually impaired because of macular degeneration, and I've found invaluable friendship and support through Sight Scotland Veterans, regularly attending the charity's Linburn Centre in Wilkieston. Sight Scotland Veterans have been such a great support. They do so much for all of us, making sure we are not left feeling isolated at home. I love going to the Linburn Centre, it's like a second family to me, I go every Monday and Friday, and I really wouldn't miss it. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Hector at Sight Scotland Veterans' Linburn Centre in West Lothian. | Sight Scotland Since I lost my sight, the support I've had from Sight Scotland Veterans really has been incredible. They've helped me stay active and connected and I've made some wonderful friends. I feel so privileged to have a place like the Linburn Centre to come to each week. I can't believe I'm getting this opportunity to celebrate VE Day 80 in London. I will be joined on his trip by Andy Cole, a Sight Scotland Veterans' sports and partnership volunteer. Our travel, accommodation and event expenses are fully covered by the BBC as a gesture of appreciation for my wartime service and participation in the commemorative programme. When I heard about the offer, I was apprehensive at first, as I wasn't sure if I could manage the trip at my age. But Sight Scotland Veterans have helped arrange everything with the BBC and I have Andy coming with me. I never imagined at my age I'd be heading to London for something like this. I'm incredibly excited and so thankful to everyone who's made this happen.
