The illumination of Perth Bridge will form part of VisionPK's celebration of 160 years of service.
The iconic Category A listed structure will be the jewel in the crown of a number of events planned for the fair city designed to celebrate the achievements of the charity - alongside an appeal for funds to keep its services operating.
Based in George Street, VisionPK has been supporting people across the county with hearing and sight loss since 1866. A mere 100 years after the building of Perth Bridge started in 1766.
"The colour purple is aligned with independence and dignity and that is what we use to represent our organisation in the delivery of our sensory services", said Wendy Stenberg, VisionPK's Fundraising & Events Manager.
Originally founded as the 'Society for Teaching the Blind to Read in the County and City of Perth', its name and its work have changed over time and it was registered as 'Perth and Kinross Society for the Blind' in 1917. In 2014, it adopted the name 'VisionPK'.
By bringing together its former and current service users, staff, volunteers, and supporters it hopes to ensure its legacy can continue for decades more.
Kate Charles, Chief Executive of VisionPK, said: "To have such history and connection with local people is incredible. We wanted to give them opportunities to join us in celebrating this incredible milestone and help us reach more in the future."
A celebration event will take place on Tuesday 21 April, midday to 2pm at the charity's sensory hub on 17 George Street. Guests are invited to share stories of their experiences of VisionPK, celebrate achievements and look forward to its future work. All are welcome before the bridge lights up later in the evening and turns the Perth skyline a shade of purple.
The charity is also holding a celebration walk on Thursday 23 April at 11am. This is to highlight the daily challenges of living with sight and/or hearing loss. It will start on the High Street outside Specsavers and walk to the South Inch Park Pavilion Café.
Kate adds: We want as many as possible to take part, whether you can walk independently, use a cane, have a guide dog, walking aid or wheelchair. We do hope that many people from across Perthshire can join us at these events to celebrate with us."
VisionPK moved to the High Street in Perth early 2021 but due to escalating refurbishment costs relocated to George Street in 2024. The sensory hub formally opened in the October of that year.
"We have been looking at old photos of how our services used to be delivered and comparing them too how we do things now. In the 1960s people used to go out on bus trips, but we now have more activities tailored to help our dedicated community groups," adds Kate.
Volunteers help VisionPK staff to manage community groups and bring people together for classes such as drumming, walking, swimming and mindfulness.
In 2016 the charity expanded its mission to include hearing loss support, ensuring that people with dual sensory needs or hearing loss receive the guidance and assistance they need to thrive in everyday life. However, rising costs means it is becoming even more challenging to provide essential support.
Kate said: "We cannot take our 160-year legacy for granted. Without the support of our community, our essential services are at risk. Every donation, no matter the size, goes directly towards funding our vital local services that make a difference in your community every day ".
Provost of Perth and Kinross Xander McDade added: "Supporting people living with sight and/or hearing loss for 160 years is a truly remarkable achievement for Vision PK. I am delighted that the Council will be lighting Perth Bridge on Tuesday 21 April to celebrate this milestone and I encourage everyone to join and be part of the celebrations."
To register to attend the events or donate to VisionPK please call 01738 626969 or email info@visionpk.org.uk
