Visually impaired secret shoppers are going undercover at Edinburgh Fringe Festival venues to find out how accessible they are for disabled audiences.
Volunteers from Sight Loss Councils Scotland and Sight Scotland’s Policy Group have helped deliver accessibility training to Fringe staff and performers over the past two years.
They have now begun making unannounced visits to Fringe venues, attending shows and experiencing the customer journey for themselves.
Their aim is to identify what is working well, highlight any barriers and help venues make further improvements to accessibility.
The volunteers have welcomed progress so far, noting that accessibility training and closer collaboration between venues and people with sight loss is helping to drive positive change.
However, they say accessibility needs to remain a year-round priority.
Callum Lancashire, Engagement Manager for Sight Loss Councils Scotland, has macular degeneration and has helped deliver accessibility training to venues at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe and Glasgow’s Celtic Connections festival.
He said: "What is really encouraging is that we don't just deliver the training and walk away. Afterwards, our volunteers go back as secret shoppers, visit the venue, attend shows and experience the customer journey for themselves. That gives us a unique insight into whether the training is making a difference, and in many cases the impact has been huge."
Callum explains that simple changes to the way staff communicate and provide assistance can have a significant impact on the experience of people with sight loss.
He adds: "It's about making staff aware of visual impairment, helping them understand the barriers people can face, and giving them the confidence to offer assistance when needed. Those aren't major changes for a venue to make, but they can make a huge difference to somebody's experience.
"Something as simple as clearly introducing yourself, offering sighted guidance, explaining the layout of a space, or proactively asking if someone needs help can completely transform a visit. It helps people feel welcome, included and able to enjoy the festival independently."
The secret shopper approach gives people with sight loss the opportunity to provide direct feedback about what happens when they arrive at a venue, navigate the space and attend a performance.
The programme has also expanded, with more venues across Scotland requesting accessibility training.
Colette Walker, Co-Chair of Sight Scotland’s Policy Group and a guide dog user, believes accessibility is about much more than physical access to a venue.
She said: “Training is a gamechanger. By equipping frontline teams with the awareness, empathy and practical understanding they need, we empower venues to go far beyond basic compliance, to truly see people, anticipate barriers, and offer support that feels natural, respectful and empowering. For me and thousands of others with visual impairments, that means being able to walk into a festival venue with my guide dog, navigate with confidence, and enjoy every moment just like anyone else.
“It’s not just about ramps or wide doors, its clear information, thoughtful signage, straightforward ticketing, and staff who know exactly how and when to step in and use clear communication.”