Buchanan Galleries introduces sighted guide training
Buchanan Galleries has become the first Scottish shopping centre to train staff in specialist sighted guiding as it looks to offer better support to blind or partially sighted visitors.
All centre staff, including security officers, cleaning operatives and car park assistants, undertook the training, which covered confident customer support, effective communication, safe navigation of busy areas, and proper guide dog etiquette.
Subscribe to TRBDelivered face-to-face by the charity Guide Dogs, the sessions taught staff staff guiding techniques and how to communicate effectively with blind or partially sighted people. The training also covered common eye conditions, access rights, and practical demonstrations such as guiding through doors, stairs and narrow spaces, as well as how to safely assist customers accompanied by guide dogs.
Michael Kane, soft services manager at Buchanan Galleries, said: “It’s a privilege to be offered this additional sighted guide training at Buchanan Galleries. Working with the team from Guide Dogs has helped us build our understanding of how we can better support blind and partially sighted guests.
“The training has given us helpful, practical skills and a greater awareness of the challenges some guests may face, so we can offer support in a calm, considerate, and confident way. We hope this helps ensure the centre continues to feel welcoming and accessible for everyone.”
The training forms part of Buchanan Galleries’ ongoing commitment to improving accessibility and enhancing the visitor experience, supported by centre owners Landsec.
Kathy Murdoch, centre director at Buchanan Galleries, said: “We are proud to be the first shopping centre in Scotland to undertake this specialist training, enhancing support for partially sighted visitors and improving communication with all our guests.
“We hope this training equips our staff with the confidence and practical skills to provide the right support when it’s needed, ensuring Buchanan Galleries remains a welcoming and accessible place for all.”
