Edinbvurgh-based charity celebrates eight decades of disability support at Scottish Parliament
Eighty years of supporting disabled people and their families across Scotland has been celebrated at a special Scottish Parliament reception bringing together supported people, staff, supporters and parliamentarians.
The event marked Capability Scotland’s journey from its beginnings in Murrayfield in 1946 to becoming one of Scotland’s leading social care charities, supporting almost 1,000 disabled children and adults across the country.
Hosted by Willie Rennie MSP, the reception celebrated the people and milestones that have shaped the charity while looking towards its future.
Brian Logan, Chief Executive of Capability Scotland, said: “Reaching our 80th anniversary is an opportunity to recognise everything that has been achieved by the remarkable people who make up Capability Scotland.
“From the people we support and their families to our employees, volunteers, fundraisers and partners, generations of people have played their part in shaping the organisation we are today.
“Capability Scotland has changed enormously over those eight decades, but our purpose has remained constant - supporting disabled people to have choice, independence and equality of opportunity.
“We are proud of that legacy but there is so much more we want to achieve. Our focus now is on taking that experience and ambition into the future and continuing to make a meaningful difference alongside disabled people and their families for generations to come.”
Guests at the reception heard directly from people supported by Capability Scotland, putting their experiences and voices at the centre of the anniversary event.
The evening began with a welcome from Willie Rennie MSP, followed by remarks from Brian Logan and people supported by the charity.
Professor Sandy Cameron, Chair of the Board of Trustees at Capability Scotland, gave thanks before guests watched a specially created film charting the charity’s 80-year story.
Willie Rennie MSP said: “Capability Scotland has made an important contribution to the lives of disabled people and their families across Scotland over the past 80 years.
“This reception was an opportunity to recognise that contribution and, importantly, to hear directly from the people supported by the charity about their experiences.
“Bringing those voices into the Scottish Parliament was a fitting way to mark such a significant anniversary and to learn more about the work being carried out across Scotland today.”
Capability Scotland’s story began in 1946, with its early work at Westerlea School in Murrayfield. Over the decades it has grown and evolved alongside major changes in society and attitudes towards disability.
Today, its work spans education, residential care, community support and day opportunities, with teams helping disabled people develop skills, build relationships and have greater choice and control in their lives.
Among its work is Corseford College in Renfrewshire, Scotland’s only dedicated college for young adults with complex needs.
The charity is also progressing its Our Inclusive Community Project in Perth, which will replace its long-standing Upper Springland residential facility.
The anniversary year has provided an opportunity to celebrate the contribution of supported people, families, employees, volunteers, fundraisers and partners who have helped shape Capability Scotland during eight decades of change.
To find out more about Capability Scotland, visit: https://www.capability.scot/