Buchanan Galleries becomes the first shopping centre in Scotland to introduce sighted guide training

Buchanan Galleries is the first shopping centre in Scotland to undertake specialist sighted guide training with the charity Guide Dogs.

Article Source: Buchanan Galleries
Last Updated: 13 March 2026 12:28

Buchanan Galleries is the first shopping centre in Scotland to undertake specialist sighted guide training with the charity Guide Dogs, to help them better support blind or partially sighted guests visiting the centre. All centre staff – including security officers, cleaning operatives and car park assistants – received the training to enable them to confidently offer appropriate support, improve communication, and help guests navigate busy areas safely, while developing a stronger understanding of guide dog etiquette.

In face-to-face sessions held at Buchanan Galleries and delivered by charity Guide Dogs, staff learnt 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.

Susan Harrison, Sighted Guide Training Officer at Guide Dogs, said: “Our sighted guide training programme aims to equip employees with the skills and confidence to create a more welcoming and accessible environment for guests living with a vision impairment.

“The staff at Buchanan Galleries have shown a genuine commitment to inclusion, ensuring that visitors with a vision impairment feel understood, respected, and better supported during their shopping experience.”

Kathy Murdoch, Centre Director at Buchanan Galleries, said: “At Buchanan Galleries, we are continually striving to deliver the very best experience for every guest. 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.

“Recognising an important opportunity to make a difference, we invested in specialist sighted guide training delivered by the incredible charity Guide Dogs, and we encourage other businesses to follow our lead and help ensure they are inclusive and accessible for all.

“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.”

Further accessibility facilities available at Buchanan Galleries include:

• SignLive: A video relay service that enables deaf and hard of hearing guests to connect with a live BSL interpreter during opening hours. By scanning QR codes located around the centre, guests can access an interpreter who will speak directly with a member of staff and sign their responses back in real time.

• Accessible parking: 68 disabled parking spaces are conveniently located close to the entrance lobbies on car park levels 2-5.

• Toilets: Disabled toilets are available on the Ground Floor, First Floor, and Second Floor, and are accessible with a RADAR key.

• Quiet Hours: The centre provides quiet hours every Wednesday afternoon from 4pm – 5pm and every Saturday morning from 9am-10am. During this time, Buchanan Galleries will switch off the music in the malls and many stores.

• Autism Aware: Some staff members are trained in Autism Aware, and there is always someone available to assist if required.

• Sensory Backpacks: Buchanan Galleries provides two sensory backpacks for hire free of charge from the centre management office. These backpacks include sensory toys and other items for those who experience difficulties processing everyday sensory information.

For details of accessibility services at Buchanan Galleries, visit www.buchanangalleries.co.uk

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