Scottish rock duo the Proclaimers join in celebrations for sight loss charity’s landmark anniversary
Seescape logo – Visual impairment support across Fife.
Scottish rock legends the Proclaimers have joined in the celebrations to mark the 160th anniversary of one of the country’s sight loss charities.
The duo recorded a touching video message for Fife’s sight loss charity Seescape as it celebrates its landmark anniversary. In the clip, twins Craig and Charlie Reid, wish Seescape staff, volunteers and the people they support a “very happy birthday”. Click here to view the video | Dunfermeline Press.
A historical black and white photo of Seescape’s shop in Kirkcaldy, which opened in 1922. A man in a 3 piece suit and tie stands outside the shop which has children’s clothing and household goods in the shop windows. The name of the shop is Society for Teaching the Blind.
Lesley Carcary and Seescape volunteer coordinator Graham Ross are smiling and dressed casually in jeans and short sleeved shirts and trainers. They stand outside Seescape which has a large sign above the door that says “Seescape, Visual Impairment Support Across Fife.”
Seescape, which was founded in 1865 as the Fife and Kinross Society for Teaching the Blind to Read in Their Own Homes, is marking 16 decades of supporting people who are blind or partially sighted live full and independent lives throughout 2026. It has played an important role in the lives of people in Fife who are affected by sight loss. These include former Prime Minister Gordon Brown, who is now the charity’s honorary patron, and paralympic climber Garry Morrison.
Seescape has grown to support more than 3,500 people ever year across Fife 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 plays in helping people affected by sight loss live their lives to the full over the past 160 years throughout 2025. Last month, it launched its 160 fundraising challenge with the help of North East Fife MSP Willie Rennie. The charity is asking supporters to take on a challenge related to the number 160, from running 160 miles to raising £160 by hosting a bake sale. More information is available on their website.
Lesley Carcary, Seescape chief executive“As fans of the Proclaimers we are delighted with this lovely birthday message. We would like to thank all our supporters for their support over the years and all our staff and volunteers who work so hard to make a positive difference in the lives of the people we support. This year we are enjoying celebrating the achievements of the past and looking forward to the future – but our work depends on our volunteers and those who go the extra mile – or 500 miles, or even 500 more – to raise funds to ensure we can be here for another 160 years."
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