SIX volunteers from a Fife sensory charity have received royal recognition for their work supporting people with sight loss.
Seescape’s social group team joined around 8,000 people at the King’s Garden Party at the Palace of Holyroodhouse in Edinburgh, an event celebrating people who give their time to help others across Scotland.
King Charles, Queen Camilla and Princess Anne were in attendance, meeting people from all walks of life. The volunteers help run Seescape’s sessions in Dunfermline, Kirkcaldy, Cupar and Glenrothes. These groups offer companionship and support to people with sight loss, helping to reduce isolation and boost wellbeing across Fife.
The annual Garden Party is one of several events held during Royal Week, when the King and other senior royals visit communities and charities across Scotland.
Seescape, which began life in 1865 as the Fife and Kinross Society for Teaching the Blind to Read in Their Own Homes, is marking 160 years of supporting people who are blind or partially sighted.
The charity now helps more than 3,500 people across Fife each year through rehabilitation, advice and assistive technology. It also offers social groups, community-based assessments, home visits and drop-ins at its visual impairment hub in Glenrothes.
This anniversary is a major milestone for Seescape, which continues to play a vital role in local communities.
The charity is always looking for more people to get involved, whether that’s helping out at social groups, supporting fundraising or lending a hand at local drop-ins.
Anyone interested in volunteering can find out more at https://www.seescape.org.uk/
Hilary Bannan, a social group volunteer who attended the Garden Party, said:
“I thoroughly enjoyed my day at the Garden Party. It was quite humbling to be there representing Seescape and I felt really proud to have been invited on their behalf.
“It was a bit surreal being in that environment at first, but it was a fantastic experience.
“Nobody volunteers with the intention of getting any perk or reward, but I have to say we were all very well looked after, so I’d like to thank the charity for thinking of both myself and the other volunteers in this way.”
Sandra Edgcume, a group volunteer, said:
“I loved my time at the Garden Party. It was a privilege to be there, not just to take in the surroundings and the grand occasion but to spend the afternoon enjoying the company of my fellow Seescape volunteers.
“They are a lovely bunch of people and we shared a lot of laughter and quite a few stories along the way. It was a marvellous day and I’m glad to have been asked to be part of it.”
Janet Cunningham, a social group volunteer, said:
“We had a brilliant time at the Garden Party. Such a wonderful occasion with an amazing ‘feel good’ atmosphere.
“I’m really honoured that Seescape asked me to attend on their behalf and so grateful to have been allowed to go. We met some fascinating people on the day and it was great finding out more about what other people do while spreading the good work of what our charity does.
“It’s certainly a day I’ll remember with great fondness. I came home on a real high and still feel the same a few days later.”
Lesley Davidson, chief executive of Seescape, said:
“We’re incredibly proud that our dedicated volunteers were recognised with an invitation to the King’s Garden Party.
“Their compassion, commitment and selfless support make a real difference in the lives of people with sight loss across Fife.
“As we celebrate our 160th anniversary this year it’s especially meaningful to see the heart of our organisation, our volunteers, being honoured in this way.
“We always gratefully welcome new volunteers. If you would like to join our fantastic volunteering team please contact Seescape at: www.seescape.org.uk/volunteer-
