80th Anniversary Memory Wall
As part of 80th anniversary celebrations we are creating a memory wall of photos and stories contributed by Capaiblity Scotland colleagues, supporters and the people we support.
Learn more about memorable moments from 80 years of caring below.
Erin Wilson, Operations Manager North
In 2012, Helen Johnston (Health & Wellbeing Coordinator) and I took Darr and Pat to a Fringe comedy show, where we bumped into Dara Ó Briain. Pat gave him a big kiss, when I asked if she knew who he was, she said no, she just thought he might buy her a Blue WKD! Pat and Darr had an absolute blast.
Erin Wilson, Operations Manager North
When I managed our Tayview service during Covid, we created lots of themed days to keep everyone’s spirits up. Some of my favourites were Tiger King Day, Upside Down Day, Superheroes vs Villains, and a mini festival complete with a “slam tent.” Even the tradesmen on site joined in for some of the tunes, they were brilliant days and everyone had such fun, I was so proud of the effort the team put in.
Niamh Waldron, Social Impact & Sustainability Director, Sigma Capital Group, Friend of Capability Scotland
2023 saw the first Capability Scotland clients enjoy the thrills of track driving at Driftland Lochgelly with the incredible Speed of Sight team, and each year since. They literally create life-changing driving experiences for children and adults living with disabilities. Their aim to make the impossible possible…and again the smiles tell the story. An appearance on STV was also a noteworthy highlight. Those who may never hold a driving licence, those who have lost sight, all experience the thrills of racing around a track, with an experienced driving instructor. Drivers feel joy, freedom and confidence. Since 2023 Sigma have sponsored a day specifically for CS each year and we look forward to the 2026 track day in August.
Elaine Sheperd, Trusts and Foundations Officer
One of my fondest memories of working at Capability Scotland is returning from Maternity Leave. My first Keeping In Touch (KIT) day was the Staff Awards 2025 and I was so anxious about leaving my little boy. I felt very worked up all morning and as soon as I stepped into the Radison it all melted away. I have never felt so loved and missed by such a wonderful bunch of people and it was a really nice, warm feeling. Soon enough I was enjoying afternoon tea (yes, HOT TEA!) and dancing to ABBA so it was a wonderful ease back into the “world of work”. To top it off, I got to cheer on my wonderful Manager who won a well-deserved award. The support I have received from her personally and from Capability Scotland as a whole, pre and postnatally and since my return to work, has been second to none. I continue to feel held and cared for as a new mother and it has made the daunting task of returning to work enjoyable and I am now loving the juggle! As well as caring for the amazing people we support, Capability Scotland also care about their staff and their families which makes me proud to work here.
Ailsa Wallace, Head of Fundraising and Communications
In September 2025 Capability Scotland held its first Fundraising Gala for over a decade. The event was attended by 200 guests, with entertainment from Britain’s Got Talent Star Edward Reid, live music from Cherry Crumble and host of games and raffles, raising £36,000 in funding for our services and the people we support.
The Fundraising Team worked tirelessly to ensure the evening went smoothly, guests had a wonderful experience and everyone who attended left with no doubt about the lives that would be changed because of their generosity.
Rachel Connor, Recruitment Business Partner
Attending the Scottish Refugee Councils Job Fair in March 2025 – was a proud moment for me.
Building meaningful partnerships with other charities that support new Scots to settle and find employment offering them meaningful employment opportunities to help the people we support.
Helen Johnston, Health & Wellbeing Coordinator
S.P.O.T Fest 2019 - Upper Springland's very first outdoor festival for people we support, staff, and family and friends. The garden was decorated, we had outdoor lighting, a DJ, and an area with tents to give a weekend festival themed look to the garden! Christine Thomas, Lisa Balfour and myself agreed to camp over night after Jason O Donnel - Studio day attender told us he had never camped before - in fact he'd never stayed away from home for a full night before without his parents.
We asked his friend Peter if he would like to camp too, with both sets of parents willing (and expecting phone calls to collect Jason through the night) the plans began to snowball, tents went up, full blown camp site went in, stoves, camp chairs cooler boxes stacked with the morning fry up. We had the festival from 7pm - 10pm for everyone to attend, then when they headed off to their respective units, we settled down with toasted marshmallows and ghost stories into the wee hours of the night.
It is a night I will never forget, a massive achievement for Jason who stayed and slept all night. The giggling from him and Peter, Christine's dog smuggling his way into our tent in the evening and wedging himself between the lads. Many of the residents came to join us at breakfast time to see how we got on and Jason asks every year when are we camping again!
Stephen Oswald, Project Lead, Our Inclusive Community Project
I’ve participated in some fantastic fundraising events for Capability Scotland over the years.
The most challenging was swimming 40km in the month of January 2025 but it was the one I got the most out of in terms of personal achievement, and almost some abs!
The Tug of War picture makes me laugh because it looks like I am the only person on my team trying. However, some children sneaked on the end of the rope (perhaps with some adults) and we won the competition!
The zip wire challenge was perhaps the most “fun”.
In February 2024, I recruited my daughter for the Bertha Park Trail. We had a great day chatting to care staff and the people we support as we made our way around the 10km route.