Guide Dogs Scotland’s new recruits were today taken on a familiarisation visit to Edinburgh Airport, as a part of a training exercise for the puppies.

8 puppies and their handlers boarded the Edinburgh Tram at the Gyle Centre, then walked from the Edinburgh Airport Tram station through the Plaza area and into the airport before going through security before boarding a Jet2.com aircraft.

Guide Dogs Scotland – Edinburgh Airport’s corporate charity for 2016 – provide life changing mobility services, which enable people who are blind and partially sighted to take control of their lives and get around with confidence.  The charity works with people of all ages, from all different walks of life.

Gordon Dewar, Edinburgh Airport’s Chief Executive, said:“It was super to have Guide Dogs Scotland here at the airport; this visit enables the puppies invaluable experience to become accustomed to all aspects of the airport – including passing through security and boarding an aircraft. The aim of them being our official corporate charity for 2016 is to enable a deeper understanding of the great work they do and help raise funds for their organisation.”

Kyla Stratton, Business Development Manager at Guide Dogs Scotland, said: “Guide Dogs Scotland are absolutely delighted to be working with Edinburgh Airport as their charity of the year.  We receive no government funding for our mobility services and therefor rely solely on the support of the local public and businesses like Edinburgh Airport. Our dedicated team of volunteers are also crucial in helping us to provide our life changing services.  We are currently recruiting for volunteer puppy walkers and fundraising group volunteers and would like to appeal to the local community to contact our office in Edinburgh for more information.”

Edinburgh Trams General Manager Lea Harrison said: “We’re committed to ensuring travel on our services is as easy and accessible as possible for all passengers, so we’re really pleased to be welcoming these four-legged trainees on board. All our trams have been designed with high visibility handrails and alert buttons signposted in Braille for blind and partially sighted tram users. Our staff are also trained to provide assistance. We are always looking to improve the experience for our passengers and working with Guide Dogs Scotland is a great way for us to do that.”

Steve Heapy, CEO of Jet2.com and Jet2holidays said: “We were thrilled to be involved in the Guide Dogs Scotland visit at Edinburgh Airport.  The dogs provide an invaluable service in giving customers who are blind and partially sighted the confidence to go on holiday.  It’s vital for these dogs to become familiar with our aircraft so their handlers have a comfortable and enjoyable journey with us.”