Copyright dailyrecord
A former Army nurse from Coatbridge is joining visually impaired veterans in calling for the continuation of a "life-changing" free companion rail pilot scheme, urging the Scottish Government to make it a permanent policy. Agnes Houston, 76, lives with both dementia and visual impairment and is a passionate dementia campaigner. Launched on April 1, the rail pilot scheme enables holders of an Eye +1 National Entitlement Card (NEC) to travel free of charge with a companion on all ScotRail services, as well as other train operators serving stations across Scotland. The year-long initiative, which is now halfway through, is designed to make rail travel more affordable and accessible for people with visual impairment. Agnes, RAF veteran George Heenan and Army veteran Peter Ramsay, who all attend Sight Scotland Veterans’ Hawkhead Centre in Paisley, say the pilot scheme has made journeys more affordable, reduced isolation, improved confidence and encouraged them to get out more. They also emphasise that having a companion is not just about company but about safety - helping them board trains, navigate busy stations and feel more at ease whilst travelling. Agnes said: "I was introduced to Sight Scotland Veterans through my campaigning, and it was the best thing that ever happened to me. "My visual impairment left me feeling disempowered. I could no longer travel, I lost my independence, and I became lonely. "But Sight Scotland Veterans changed everything. They showed me what was possible, gave me confidence, supported me with white cane training, and welcomed me into the Hawkhead Centre where I found friendship and a real sense of community. “However, travelling was still a struggle. I had to pay for someone to accompany me, and the cost was just too much. "It put me off completely. I stopped attending dementia meetings, stopped campaigning, and became isolated again. "I was only able to go to Hawkhead, which I loved, but I could not do much else. “Since the pilot launched, I feel like I have started living again. "I have travelled to Edinburgh for dementia meetings with my daughter, and I have visited Inverness with my support worker. "I live alone, so being able to get out and about safely, without worrying about the cost, has been life changing. "When I travel alone, I am constantly on edge, always worrying about where to get off, whether I’ll manage safely. "It became so stressful that I simply stopped travelling. But with a companion, I can relax. I feel safe. I feel free. "This pilot must continue." Nicoletta Primo, lived experience policy and engagement Manager for Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans, added: "Powerful stories from the veterans we support show just how important this pilot is. "That is why we are continuing to campaign for it to become permanent ahead of the Scottish Parliament elections in May 2026. "It is already making a real difference, helping people with visual impairment travel more freely and independently. "The Scottish Government must listen to the lived experience of those who are benefiting from it. "Now that the pilot is halfway through, it is time to make this vital support a permanent part of Scotland’s transport system."c A Transport Scotland spokesperson said: "We are currently evaluating feedback from over 1000 blind and visually impaired cardholders on their experiences so far in using the free companion travel on rail services across Scotland. "Once this evaluation work is complete, it will be considered by Ministers in 2026." Sight Scotland and Sight Scotland Veterans are urging the Scottish Government to make the free rail companion travel pilot for visually impaired people with an Eye +1 National Entitlement Card a permanent policy. You can show your support by signing the petition https://sightscotland.eaction.org.uk/FairRail . *Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here . And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here .
