Latest news with #SightScotlandVeterans
Daily Record
4 hours ago
- Business
- Daily Record
Charity announced its intention to sell land for potential housing development in West Lothian
Sight Scotland Veterans said it plans to sell the land near to its Linburn Veterans Centre near Kirkliston. Sight Scotland Veterans has announced its intention to sell land for a potential housing development close to its Linburn Veterans Centre near Kirkliston in West Lothian. The Linburn Veterans Centre and Centenary Hall will not be affected, and support services to veterans with sight loss will continue to be offered. The proposed sale will help safeguard the charity's long-term future, enabling it to continue supporting visually impaired veterans across Scotland for many years to come. Craig Spalding, Sight Scotland Veterans Chief Executive, said: 'Sight Scotland Veterans is committed to supporting veterans living with sight loss throughout Scotland. 'Our services are designed to help individuals regain and maintain their independence, enhance their wellbeing, and improve their overall quality of life. 'As part of our new organisational strategy, we are taking the necessary steps to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the charity. 'This includes carefully reviewing our resources and making difficult decisions where necessary to preserve the essential services we provide. 'Sight Scotland Veterans does incredible work across the country, and the proceeds from this sale will be strategically reinvested to deliver long-term financial returns. 'This 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.' Much of the land has already been identified for development within West Lothian Council's Local Development Plan, and the charity has proposed other land it owns as part of the wider Linburn estate to also be designated for development. The funds generated through the sale will help sustain a wide range of the charity's vital services for veterans with sight loss. Unfortunately, the sale would mean that a small number of existing properties on the site would need to be demolished. Due to the age and condition of these properties some of them are currently lying vacant. The rest are occupied by a mixture of tenants, some of whom are visually impaired veterans and others who are private tenants. In recent years Sight Scotland Veterans has relied on income from investments, reserves, and some voluntary donations. However, financial projections indicate that, without action, its reserves will be depleted by the 2030/31 financial year. In response, it is now focused on securing long-term financial sustainability through cost reductions, new fundraising activities, and more effective use of existing assets. Sight Scotland Veterans says it 'fully recognises the impact this decision may have on the small number of existing tenants on the site'. As such, the charity is extending the standard one-month notice period to one year, offering affected tenants additional time and support to find alternative accommodation. Tenants were notified last week of the charity's intention to sell the land, meaning they may need to vacate their properties in 12 months' time. Sight Scotland Veterans will be working closely with tenants, providing personalised support to minimise the impact of this change. The planned development could also impact the military museum, and the walled garden project located on the site. Mr Spalding added: 'We recognise that this decision will unfortunately impact current estate tenants, including veterans, and discussions have already begun with those affected to help them find more suitable housing and provide personalised support through our Financial Wellbeing service.'
Scotsman
5 days ago
- General
- Scotsman
Montrose veteran hails Sight Scotland Veterans' Centre Without Walls event
Sight Scotland Veterans is set to host its first-ever 'Centre Without Walls' event in Montrose this June, offering local veterans with sight loss the chance to explore the wide-ranging support the charity has to offer. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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... This special one-day gathering will showcase the many ways Sight Scotland Veterans supports veterans around Scotland throughout the year. From the digital hub and financial wellbeing service to the information line, accessible technology, and sports and partnership programmes, there's something for everyone. Practical advice on daily living and mobility will also be on offer. Attendees will also be invited to take part in a variety of inclusive activities such as archery, boccia, curling, and quizzes, designed to be both fun and accessible for those with sight loss. The day is also a chance to meet others facing similar challenges, with the aim of tackling loneliness and isolation. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad John Grant Gordon, a 95-year-old veteran from Montrose who lives with macular degeneration, has thanked Sight Scotland Veterans for holding events like this in Montrose. John Grant Gordon, a 95-year-old veteran from Montrose John attended a Sight Scotland Veterans' activity day held in Montrose last year and has been amazed by the support he has received ever since. He explains: 'I first came along to the Sight Scotland Veterans activity day in Montrose last year to find out more about what the charity does. I wasn't expecting it to have such a big impact, but I had a fantastic day. The atmosphere was so warm and welcoming, I was amazed to see just how much support is out there for veterans like me. 'Since then, I've become a regular on the charity's digital hub calls on a Friday. I join in with the quizzes, enjoy a good laugh, and chat with other veterans from across the country. It's made a huge difference to me, helping me feel less isolated and giving me something to look forward to each week.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad John continues: 'Being supported by Sight Scotland Veterans has helped me feel connected again. When you develop sight loss, it's easy to feel cut off, your confidence takes a knock, and you don't always know where to turn. But the charity has helped me find a real sense of community. 'It's great the charity is supporting veterans not just in the big cities, but right here in Montrose too. I'm really looking forward to the upcoming Centre Without Walls event. I can't wait to take part in all the activities and meet more local veterans. It means so much to have something like this happening on our doorstep – it shows we're not alone, and that there's support available when you need it most.' Jason Duncan, Sight Scotland Veterans' Community Lead, explains: 'Our Centre Without Walls event is all about reaching veterans in their own communities. We know that not everyone can easily travel to our main locations, so bringing a flavour of our centres to Montrose means we can show people exactly what's available to them right where they are. 'We know that veterans can sometimes feel quite cut off when your sight starts to go. Knowing there are other people going through the same thing, and that there's support out there, is incredibly important. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We're not just putting on a fun day, we're building connections, breaking down barriers, and showing veterans that they're not alone. This is a chance for people in the Angus area to enjoy themselves, try something new, and see just how much support is available.' Sight Scotland Veterans' Centre Without Walls will take place on Wednesday, 18 June at Montrose Steeple Hall starting at 10am. Veterans, along with their friends and family, are warmly invited to attend. You can either contact the charity in advance via its information line on 0800 035 6409 or simply come along on the day.
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.
Edinburgh Live
06-05-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
West Lothian war veteran says 'too much happened' to celebrate VE day
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 A West Lothian war veteran says that 'too much happened' during the Second World War for him to celebrate Victory in Europe day. Hector McDonald, 99, is set to travel to London for the BBC's commemorative VE day 90 concert on Thursday. He served in the Royal Navy from October 1943 until September 1946, and braved the Atlantic Ocean. Hector, from Livingston, said that VE day is a chance to remember the 'horror of war' - though he doesn't consider it a celebration. He added: "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." Hector is visually impaired because of macular degeneration, and has found support through Sight Scotland veterans. He said the group 'is like a second family' to him'. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox Looking back on his time in the Royal Navy, he explained: "I was 18, and after just six weeks of training, I was sent to sea. "I served from 1943 to 1946, taking part in the Arctic Convoys and then served in the Pacific, including in the Philippines and Japan. 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." (Image: Sight Scotland) Speaking on VE day, which is on May 8, he added: "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." Hector will celebrate his 100th birthday in September, and is kicking off the celebrations early with his trip to London. He added: "I can't believe I'm getting this opportunity. "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. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "But Sight Scotland Veterans have helped arrange everything with the BBC. 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. "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. "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."
Daily Record
06-05-2025
- General
- Daily Record
Scots veteran, 99, who served as teen to attend VE Day 80 Concert in London
Hector McDonald, from Livingston, served in the Royal Navy between October 1943 and September 1946. A 99-year-old Scots navy veteran who served in World War Two as a teenage boy is to mark the 80th anniversary of VE day in London. Hector McDonald, from Livingston, will be travelling to the capital to attend the BBC's commemorative VE Day 80 Concert on May 8. The invitation comes as a heartfelt thank you after an interview Hector gave for a BBC segment on the upcoming celebrations - arranged by Sight Scotland Veterans which has supported Hector for over 10 years. He served in the Royal Navy between October 1943 and September 1946. During his time at sea, he 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. In recognition of his courage, Hector 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. He later served in the Pacific, including operations in the Philippines and Japan. Hector recalled how when victory in E urope was declared, all seamen were given two bottles of beer. He said: 'I joined the Royal Navy when I was 18, and after just six weeks of training, I was sent to sea. I served from 1943 to 1946, taking part in the Arctic Convoys and then served in the Pacific, including in the Philippines and Japan. "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." He continued: 'It is hard to believe it's been 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.' Hector, who is visually impaired because of macular degeneration, has found invaluable friendship and support through Sight Scotland Veterans. He attends the charity's Linburn Centre in Wilkieston, West Lothian, every Monday and Friday. Hector said: '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. "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.' Hector, who will celebrate his 100th birthday in September, will be joined on his trip to London by Andy Cole, a Sight Scotland Veterans' Sports and Partnership Volunteer. Hector said: 'I can't believe I'm getting this opportunity. 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.' The 80th anniversary of VE Day marks a moment for the UK and Commonwealth to come together in honour of those who served during the Second World War. It commemorates the formal end of conflict in Europe on 8 May 1945, when the Allies accepted Nazi Germany's unconditional surrender. The 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day (VJ Day) will take place in August 2025.
