Please Welcome our New CEO Deirdre Aitken

Deirdre Aitken, Appointed CEO - Highland Blindcraft.  

This is a social enterprise making beds, mattresses, headboards and more while supporting disabled people in employment. We are developing the “services” for people with sight loss so that we are a fully inclusive service and business for those people in the highlands, with sight loss, hearing loss and other disabilities.

I took up the role of interim CEO in December 2023 and then became permanent in June 2024. It is a challenging post with lots to learn but there is a great Team here that works together to deliver what the customers and service providers want.  By providing supported employment people with sight loss, hearing loss and other disabilities are able to work in a supportive and encouraging environment where they gain confidence, experience and skills that can help them in their everyday lives. 

The services provided are the people who need some help, advice or information on living with sight loss and related conditions, With the demonstration of specialist aids and equipment we want people to live independent and confident lives, which is what everyone wants.

Personally, I have been married to Robin for 35 years, not sure who deserves the medal! I have 3 grown-up children that I am very proud of and 2 gorgeous grandchildren.  I am from Wick, having been brought up there since the age of 5, I was born in Nigeria when my Dad was teaching there. 

After Leaving school, I worked in various admin roles before taking up the post of Co-ordinator of Caithness Deaf Care in 2001 and then developing that service to Hearing and Sight Care when I became Manager before taking up the role of Manager at Signt Action Sensory Services and then Highland Blindcraft, and Highland Blindcraft Sensory services.