search Menu

Our history

Our history

Our story begins in 1859 when the majority of blind people in Scotland were amongst the most disadvantaged in the land. They had no support or extra help and that’s where we came in.

On 7 June, 1859 ‘The Society for promoting Reading Among the Blind’ was formed. The pioneers of the charity came from various walks of life including medicine, business, the church and other positions of trust.

The Glasgow Mission to the Outdoor Blind

In 1870, we became known as ‘The Glasgow Mission to the Outdoor Blind’, which, at the time, set us apart from any other organisations offering support and care for the blind in residential institutions and sheltered workshops.

Historic photo of knitting group summer outing
Historic photo from 1960s showing people queing for trip 'doon the water' on Clyde steamer

A slight change

In 1883, we became known as ‘The Mission to the Outdoor Blind for Glasgow and the West of Scotland’, to include even more people who were blind or partially sighted.

100 years later

A further name change was decided and in 1989 we became ‘The Glasgow and West of Scotland Society for the Blind’. We rebranded again in 2003 and became 'Visibility'.

Group wearing life jackets on loch shore
Donate Skip to content