Sight Loss Councils Scotland have launched a groundbreaking new training initiative at Celtic Connections, where for the first time in Scotland visually impaired members delivered Visual Impairment Inclusion and Sighted Guiding training to Glasgow Life and Celtic Connections staff, helping to transform accessibility at this year’s festival.
This first-of-its-kind train‑the‑trainer programme places lived experience at the centre of visual impairment training, ensuring that accessibility is shaped by real people’s needs and driving meaningful, lasting change across Scotland’s cultural sector. By sharing what works, what’s possible, and what truly matters, these trainers played a pivotal role in reshaping accessibility at this year’s festival.
Sight Loss Council members from across Scotland then carried out a “secret shopper” accessibility check at Celtic Connections, putting the training into practice. They were also given a rare behind-the-scenes opportunity with award-winning piper Ross Miller, including a touch tour of instruments on stage, access to the soundcheck, and a pre-event preview - supporting an inclusive and enriched concert experience. This collaboration demonstrates how Scotland’s cultural sector can lead the way in breaking down barriers and making live events accessible to all.
Graeme Roache , 39, a member of the Glasgow Sight Loss Council, who has a guide dog called Gibson and lives with Bardet Biedl Syndrome, a rare genetic condition, explains: “We were delighted to provide Visual Impairment Inclusion and Sighted Guiding training for Glasgow Life and Celtic Connections staff last month. This was the first time something like this had been delivered by visually impaired people like myself, and that makes it incredibly significant. Putting lived experience at the centre of the training gives staff real understanding and confidence, so they know what to expect when welcoming visitors with visual impairment.
“Concerts, gigs and shows should be for everyone. Accessibility should never be a question, it should be a priority, and that is why the Sight Loss Councils are leading this work in Scotland. We were thrilled to visit Celtic Connections to test the training in practice and to attend a Ross Miller concert, where we were given a touch tour and a behind the scenes experience. It made the event far more inclusive and you could see that staff had really taken the training on board.
“The key message we want to share is that small changes and genuine understanding make a huge difference. If someone with a visual impairment or any disability is coming to your venue, speak to them. Ask what support they need. We are very happy that Glasgow Life and Celtic Connections have partnered with the Sight Loss Councils in Scotland and we hope other venues across the country will follow their example. Accessibility should be standard. Everyone should be able to enjoy concerts and shows on a level playing field and we hope this is the start of a real shift where accessibility is a requirement and never an afterthought.”
Robin Cassidy, from Glasgow Life, comments: "We were delighted to partner with the Sight Loss Councils in Scotland to deliver Visual Impairment Inclusion and Sighted Guiding training ahead of Celtic Connections, one of the biggest events in our calendar. Accessibility for everyone is incredibly important to us. Every person should be able to enjoy a concert and feel welcomed and supported from the moment they arrive. That should never be up for debate.
"Having Sight Loss Council members lead this training made it especially powerful. Their lived experience gave our staff a genuine, first hand understanding of what it is like to navigate a venue with a visual impairment, what support is most helpful and how small changes can make a huge difference. The connection they created with our team was inspiring, and the impact was clear to see.
"We were also very pleased that members came to ‘secret shop’ us during Celtic Connections. We want honest feedback so we can keep improving, and it was encouraging to hear that the changes we are making are already having a real effect. The touch tour and behind the scenes experience at the Ross Miller concert were fantastic additions and something we believe more venues and artists should consider. It made the event more inclusive and enhanced the experience for visually impaired attendees.
"We see this as very much the beginning of our work together. This is not a one off. We are committed to continuing this partnership and we hope more venues across Scotland will follow suit. Accessibility must be a priority."
Scottish bagpiper Ross Miller, a world champion piper and member of the world renowned Red Hot Chilli Pipers, commented: “We were delighted to welcome members of the Sight Loss Councils Scotland to the gig at Celtic Connections and to give them a behind the scenes preview and touch tour to enhance their experience. Improving accessibility for everyone is something I care deeply about, and I fully support the brilliant work the Sight Loss Councils are doing. Putting people with lived experience at the centre is incredibly powerful, and their insight makes venues more inclusive for all. I hope more venues take notice, because the more we can do to welcome everyone to concerts, the better it is for all of us.”
Sight Loss Councils in Scotland are run by Sight Scotland, Sight Scotland Veterans and Visibility Scotland and are delivered in partnership with the Thomas Pocklington Trust. There are currently three Sight Loss Councils in Scotland, based in Edinburgh, Glasgow and Dumfries and Galloway, with plans to expand them across the country. Each Council is made up of a small group of visually impaired volunteers who draw on their lived experience to address local and national issues and to champion accessibility, inclusion and equality.
For more information visit sightscotland.org.uk.
