Visually impaired veterans take to the wheel for a thrill of a lifetime

Tyres screeched, engines roared, and confidence soared as a group of visually impaired veterans, all supported by Sight Scotland Veterans, recently took to the track at Driftland in Fife, accomplishing something many thought impossible following visual impairment.

The adrenaline-fuelled day was made possible by disability driving charity Speed Of Sight and Sigma Capital Group & Simple Life Homes, who generously donated the experience. The event gave veterans the opportunity to get behind the wheel in a safe, controlled environment, boosting confidence, independence and wellbeing.

Among the veterans’ taking part was Kim McFarlane, who served with Queen Alexandra’s Royal Army Nursing Corps, the Royal Corps of Signals and the Royal Army Medical Corps.

She comments: “I lost my sight following a diabetic stroke, and when I was first introduced to Sight Scotland Veterans two years ago, I had no idea what support was available to me. Since then, I have made great friends, the staff have been amazing, and I’ve learned to do things I never thought I would be able to do.

“When I heard about the driving experience, I was excited to try something completely different. As someone who is visually impaired and had never driven before, it’s not something I ever imagined would be possible. Getting behind the wheel was absolutely brilliant. The first time around I wasn’t sure what to expect, but by the second run I was really looking forward to it and could not wait to get back out on the track. It was such an adrenaline rush. The instructor kept encouraging me to pick up a bit more speed, and I felt like Nigel Mansell out there. It was brilliant.

“Opportunities like this show that being visually impaired does not mean you have to stop trying new things. With the right support, you can achieve things you never thought were possible.”

Derek Donaldson, who has diabetic retinopathy, who began his military career as an infantry soldier and later became a transport driver, adds: “As a former truck driver, being behind the wheel was a huge part of my life, so losing my sight and having to stop driving was incredibly difficult. Getting the chance to drive again at Driftland was something I never thought I’d experience.

“I’ve got a new car sitting at home that I’ll never be able to drive because of my sight loss, so being back behind the wheel today meant a great deal to me. With the instructor guiding me through the corners and encouraging me to pick up speed, I felt safe, confident, I just loved it and couldn’t really believe what I was doing. It was an incredible feeling.”

Derek adds: “I would like to say a huge thank you to Sight Scotland Veterans for making experiences like this possible. Everything the charity does is about improving people’s lives and helping them live independently and confidently. I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunities they give to me and so many other veterans. Without their support, I would never have had the chance to get back behind the wheel again.”

Niamh Waldron, Social Impact & Sustainability Director at Sigma Capital Group & Simple Life Homes, who donated the driving experience to Sight Scotland Veterans, adds: “We were delighted to offer Sight Scotland Veterans an exclusive track day as part of our 2026 programme and are thrilled to hear how much the veterans enjoyed the experience. We look forward to continuing our partnership with Sight Scotland Veterans and Speed of Sight, and to giving many more veterans the opportunity to experience the thrill of driving in the years ahead.”

For more information visit sightscotlandveterans.org.uk