Visually impaired veterans are building confidence and learning new skills through new horticulture sessions in Paisley.
The social and therapeutic horticulture programme is being held at Sight Scotland Veterans’ Hawkhead Centre.
It started with two sessions each week earlier this year. This has now increased to five due to its popularity.
Veterans are growing leeks, garlic, spring onions, chives, rocket, strawberries, rhubarb and broad beans.
The sessions were launched by Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Allison West after she completed specialist training in social and therapeutic horticulture.
Allison said: “I did a programme of sessions with the Veterans Sight Support Groups that went down really well, so at the beginning of 2026 I spoke to Jodie and John at Hawkhead and asked if they would be interested in having the sessions at the Centre.
“They were very enthusiastic, so I said, ‘let’s just dive in and see how we get on!’.
“The garden at Hawkhead hadn’t really been touched for about a year so it was a bit of a blank canvas.
“We are now growing leeks, garlic, spring onions, chives, rocket, strawberries, rhubarb and broad beans.
“We’ve even got some hydrangeas and blackcurrants growing from clippings I brought from home, and the chefs have been using the microgreens we’ve grown in some of the meals within the Centre!
“As a rehab specialist I’m looking for measurable change in their lifestyle and overall health, and that is what I’ve observed.
“I set goals and objectives for every session, recording what we do and ensuring the outcomes are measurable.
“The sessions improve veterans mobility and their balance by getting them walking around between the Centre and the greenhouse, and they increase dexterity and motor skills while they are planting.
“It’s not just the Veterans participating who benefit – we have other people coming up here from the Centre walking around, asking what we are doing and interacting more with the garden and outdoor space.
“By sowing seeds now for next year, we are also creating a sense of hope – something to look forward to and something that will need to be looked after.
“It’s been a great success, and I’m delighted with the uptake.”
Among those taking part is John Ewing, 55, from Renfrew.
The former Royal Engineer has attended the Hawkhead Centre since January 2026.
John suffered two heart attacks which affected his mobility. His sight has also deteriorated due to diabetes.
He was referred to Sight Scotland Veterans by a doctor at the Royal Alexandra Hospital.
John said: “The only time I’ve missed coming to the Hawkhead Centre is when I have hospital appointments – I actually cancel everything else around it.
“Until I came here, I never really got out much.
“Here I started doing archery, acoustic shooting and woodwork, which I’ve done every week since.
“I even went and bought my own tools, and I’ve started building things for the garden.
“Nothing is ever too much for the staff in the Centre – you can talk to them about stuff outside of here, and they’ll give you advice or point you in the right direction for help and support.
“It’s given me a new lease of life.
“I’m not green-fingered in the slightest but my great grandfather was a keen gardener and when he passed away, I used to go out and keep the garden tidy for my granny.
“Since I came out of the Army I’ve always tinkered in the garden, just keeping the grass cut and weeding.
“Since I joined these horticulture sessions, I’ve actually been enjoying them more than I enjoy the archery, and I’ve started some planters in my own garden now too.
“It’s a nice way to spend the time because you’re doing something productive and you get the chance to socialise and chat to the other veterans too.”
The Hawkhead Centre will take part in Doors Open Day on 5th September 2026.
Visitors will be able to tour the fully accessible centre and meet staff and veterans.
They can also learn about activities including archery, acoustic shooting, bowling, curling, arts and crafts and woodworking.
The centre’s garden and the results of the horticultural sessions will also be open to visitors.
More information is available at www.sightscotlandveterans.co.uk.
Photo: Allison West and John Ewing during a horticulture session at the Hawkhead Centre in Paisley
Photo credit: Sight Scotland Veterans
Photo: Veterans with Allison West during a horticulture session at the Hawkhead Centre in Paisley
Photo credit: Sight Scotland Veterans