JAMES Adams has been appointed as the new director of the Royal National Institute of Blind People Scotland.

A native of Stirling, he was previously the Edinburgh-based charity’s deputy director.

Mr Adams, 41, takes over from Campbell Chalmers, who has been promoted to operations manager with additional responsibilities covering Northern Ireland and the north of England.

Speaking after his appointment was confirmed on May 31, Mr Adams said: “I am very privileged to take up this post at an exciting time for RNIB Scotland. We are a stepping-up our approach to empowering blind and partially sighted people, and looking forward to celebrating RNIB's 150th anniversary later this year.

“Our ‘Connect’ community is going from strength to strength, bringing together people with sight loss from across Scotland and allowing them to act as agents for change.

“Since the inception of the Scottish Parliament, RNIB Scotland has been at the forefront of influencing the devolved policy agenda. We have campaigned across a wide area, including the introduction of free eye examinations for everyone living in Scotland, the provision of sight-saving treatments on the NHS, accessible public transport and, most recently, ensuring that the new Scottish Social Security system is accessible to people with sight loss.

Looking ahead, Mr Adams said: “Like most developed countries, we have an ageing population. So sight loss, inevitably, will become a more common feature of our society. It is vital, then, that we act to contain preventable sight loss and maximise the independence of those whose vision cannot be saved.

“RNIB Scotland has an absolutely key role to play in ensuring that blind and partially sighted people can lead fulfilling and inclusive lives. I am looking forward to working with our members and supporters to deliver more change and ensure Scotland is an even better place to live for all those with sight loss.”