Dark day for guide dogs charity

It is hoped the event will raise awareness of eye disease

Aberdeen is trying to collar funds for guide dogs by encouraging people to wear dark glasses.

Aberdeen City Council is supporting Shades Day on Friday, the annual fund-raising and awareness initiative for the Guide Dogs charity.

People are being urged to help raise awareness of eye health - even by just wearing dark glasses for the day - and make a minimum donation of £1.

The message is wearing dark glasses in the sun reduces eye damage.

Councillor Irene Cormack launched the city's show of support alongside Anne Anderson and her guide dog Ember.

Councillor Cormack said: "Shades Day is a fantastic way to both raise money for Guide Dogs and to highlight an important eye care message for us all."

A scheme giving guide dog walkers and their trainee puppies free rail travel was recently launched in Aberdeen.

Volunteers now get train travel from First ScotRail to help the skills of puppies.

It allows young dogs to experience getting on trains, travelling between stations and getting through ticket barriers to assist their future owners.