THE beginning of the week saw the announcement about James Walker Devol and potential redundancies. 

The company is account managed by Scottish Enterprise and I have spoken to the account manager about the situation facing the company. I was also in touch with the company. 

I unfortunately wasn’t called to raise the matter at First Minister Questions (FMQ’s) but I am in regular dialogue with Scottish Enterprise. 

I am content that anything that can be done is being done to assist the company and the workforce in what will be an anxious time. 

This unfortunately is an example of the downturn in the oil and gas sector affecting a local business.
 

I chaired the Cross Party Group (CPG) on Visual Impairment last Tuesday and attended the CPG on Dyslexia on Wednesday. 

I have been members of both CPGs for many years and recognise there are many challenges facing people who are either blind or have visual impairments.

Dyslexia is a different condition altogether.
 

I would like to congratulate Morrisons and McDonald’s for offering their menus in braille. 

Businesses that are more accessible have an operating advantage over competitors and offering menus in braille allows people with a visual impairment to be more independent.

Just think if you were blind and always needed someone to read a menu for you. How would you feel?

Providing menus in braille can be a simple offering but one which will entice more custom through the doors of café’s bars and restaurants.