A Legacy of Service

Throughout history, blindness has never stopped extraordinary people from achieving remarkable things. John Milton (Poet, 1608-74) lost his eyesight in 1652 due to his grueling workload, yet he still went on to write his masterpiece, Paradise Lost. From his sonnet "On His Blindness" comes the memorable quote: "They also serve who only stand and wait," a powerful reminder that people who are blind have always contributed to society in meaningful ways.

Henry Fawcett (1833-84) lost his sight in a shooting accident in 1858. Rather than retreat from public life, he became Professor of Political Economy at Cambridge in 1863, then a Liberal MP in 1865, and Postmaster General in 1880. He introduced Postal Orders, Parcel Post, and 6d Telegrams—innovations that transformed how people communicated.

William Moon (1818-1894) was partially blind from the age of four and became totally blind in 1840. He began teaching blind children and, dissatisfied with the existing embossed type system, developed his own revolutionary system based on Roman capitals that made reading accessible to more people.

The Beginning: 1879

In June 1879, Mr. John Galt of 18 Speeds Terrace, Tait's Lane, Hawkhill, Dundee, discovered something that would change his life. His enquiries in Dundee and Lochee revealed 100 people who were blind and "almost unknown and uncared for." These were people living in the shadows of society, isolated and forgotten.

This painful revelation was cause sufficient for taking immediate steps. Mr. Galt founded the Dundee Mission to the Out-Door Blind, along lines similar to those of other missions in Scotland already at work on behalf of "the hapless thousands then, and still, outside the benefits of asylums and institutions."

For thirty years, Mr. Galt served as Superintendent of the Mission. He "labored incessantly in the interests of the Blind committed to the Mission's care," earning the deep respect of both those for whom the Mission cared and the Board of Directors. When he retired in 1909, he left behind a transformed landscape for blind people in Dundee.

Early Impact

The Mission's impact was immediate and profound. Within just ten years, it had served 359 blind people. Sixty of them had their sight restored at Glasgow Eye Infirmary through operations or treatment paid for by the Mission and were able to earn their own living. As the 1899 Annual Report noted, "This fact alone is more than sufficient to prove the value and necessity of our Mission and more than repays all the labor and outlay put together."

But the Mission did more than restore sight. In that same decade, eighty people learned to read using Moon's raised type (embossed print based on Roman capitals). The Mission established a library containing over 300 volumes costing £70, used extensively by members and employees of "the Institution" (Workshops for the Blind, Magdalen Yard Road, which became part of Dovetail Enterprises, Dunsinane Avenue, Dundee).

A Community Rallies

The Mission's work touched hearts across the community. In the first ten years, £2,037 was raised. The sum of £280 from "Sabbath Schools, Bible Classes, and Dundee Boys' and Girls' Religious Association" gave particular satisfaction—proof that the younger generation cared deeply for their less fortunate elders.

In 1881, "a few lady friends" of the Mission established a "Mission Collecting Cards" fundraising scheme. Twenty years later, in November 1901, the Ladies Auxiliary was formed, "which proved to be one of the greatest assets the Mission has" (Annual Report 1929).

In 1912, a donation of £10 from the Rev. Hugh C. R. Cunnynghame M.A. sparked the Home Industries activity, providing "some pastime occupation" for home-based members—giving them not just something to do, but dignity and purpose.

The Golden Jubilee and Beyond

By 1921, when the Mission celebrated its Golden Jubilee, it had evolved into a comprehensive support system. Two lady home teachers were appointed that year, carrying out 2,608 home visits across the City's east and west sectors. They read the Scriptures, taught Moon and Braille, provided members with work through the Home Industries Scheme, and handled everything from preparing and finishing to pressing and pricing the work—whatever would improve the quality of life of each Mission Member.

That same period saw another milestone: a legacy from Sir James Duncan of Coupar Angus and Kinnettles enabled the Directors to ensure the poorest members received at least 15/- a week.

The year ended with a deficit of £65 13s 6d. However, since the Blind Persons Act of 1920, the Mission had forged a new partnership with Local Authorities, who agreed to cover any deficits that might occur—a recognition of the Mission's essential role in the community.

Working Together

The Mission never worked in isolation. It collaborated closely with other organizations, creating a network of support. When a child was discovered to be blind, the Royal Dundee Institution for the Blind was contacted, which then informed the Education Authority. The Town Council issued free wireless licenses and free car passes (now bus passes), ensuring members could stay connected and mobile.

Faith and Service

In its earliest days, religion was central to the Mission's identity. As Mr. Galt stated in 1879: "Our whole world breathes of religion and is maintained throughout in a religious spirit. Our human services towards them (members of the Mission) preach as no words of mine could possibly do."

The Mission's library of 300 volumes included the Scriptures, reflecting this foundation. But the Mission's true faith was expressed through action—through the thousands of home visits, the restored sight, the taught skills, and the dignified lives made possible.

The Mission's physical presence in Dundee evolved with its work. It began at Mr. Galt's address, then moved to 26 Castle Street in 1893. In 1927, it relocated to Caird Rest, 172 Nethergate, Dundee. The Mission moved to 39 St Andrews Street in 1951, staying until June 1994, then to 35 Yeaman Shore, Dundee, before finally settling in its present purpose-designed building at 10-12 Ward Road in 2000.

Evolution of a Name

The Mission's name evolved to reflect changing times and understanding. In 1918, it became Dundee and Lochee Mission to the Out-Door Blind, reverting to its original name in 1936. In 1965, recognizing the importance of welfare, it became Dundee Society for the Welfare of the Blind. In 1992, adopting more respectful language, it became Dundee Society for Visually Impaired People. In 2003, it took the name of Dundee Blind and Partially Sighted Society. Finally, in 2025, the name changed to the Sight Support and Social Hub to reflect the services we now provide to the local community.

Today and Tomorrow

At present, the Society has around 200 members from across Dundee, Angus, and Fife. The Service Manager, along with an excellent staff team and the Board of Directors, continues the work started in 1879 by Dundee Mission for the Out-Door Blind.

From Mr. Galt's discovery of 100 forgotten people to today's thriving community of members, from restoring sight to teaching Braille, from home visits to purpose-built facilities—the story continues. We hope Mr. John Galt would approve.