Fife’s sight loss charity, Seescape, has launched a fundraising challenge to mark its 160th year.
The charity was joined by North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie and an intrepid team of walkers, who are preparing to tackle the Kiltwalk this year, to kick off the challenge.
Seescape is asking supporters to set their own 160 Challenge goal to raise funds to support their work for people who are blind and partially sighted across Fife.
That could be a fitness challenge, such as running 160 kilometres or doing 160 press-ups, a creative challenge, such as creating 160 pieces of art, or a social challenge, such as hosting 16 coffee mornings or connecting with 160 people to raise awareness of the movement.
Businesses could also join in by sponsoring community events, donating 160 minutes of company services to Seescape or holding a 160-minute fundraising event.
Seescape, which now supports more than 3,500 people every year across Fife, was founded in 1865 as the Fife and Kinross Society for Teaching the Blind to Read in Their Own Homes.
It now helps people who are blind or have sight loss live independent, full lives, through rehabilitation, advice and help with assistive technology. It also provides social opportunities, community-based assessments, home visits, and drop-ins at its visual impairment hub in Glenrothes to give information on the latest support and technologies available.
It runs four social groups in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Cupar and Glenrothes, which are often a lifeline for people who are socially isolated and lonely.
The anniversary is a key milestone for the charity and throughout 2025, it will celebrate its achievements and the key role it has played in helping people affected by sight loss live their lives to the fullest over the past 160 years throughout 2025.
Seescape also provides social opportunities, community-based assessments, home visits, and drop-ins at its visual impairment hub in Glenrothes to give information on the latest support and technologies available.
The charity is funded by a mix of statutory funding and donations. Raising £160 could fund a month of specialised physical activity support, helping clients maintain mobility and independence, £80 could provide essential assistive technology training, enabling someone to navigate their community safely, £40 could support a month of befriending services, combating isolation and £1.60 per week could help maintain our social groups where clients share experiences and support each other.
Lesley Carcary, Seescape chief executive said:
“More than 3,500 people relied on us for help and support last year. Visual impairment often comes with complex challenges, including reduced mobility, isolation and poor mental health. We are here to help people break down those challenges and achieve independence, but we need help.
“As we celebrate our 160th birthday, we are calling on supporters far and wide to take on a challenge to support our work and help us reach even more people. When someone supports our 160 Challenge, they’re not just fundraising – they’re joining a 160-year legacy of community care and innovation.”
North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie said:
“I was delighted to join Seescape for the launch of their 160 Challenge fundraising initiative. It marks an exceptionally long history of supporting people with blindness and sight loss.
“Losing your sight can close off opportunities, and social connections and make everyday life increasingly difficult. But Seescape proves that providing the right support can make a real difference and help people overcome these barriers. I encourage people in Fife to get involved with the fundraising effort and to support Seescape to continue their excellent work.”
