Dumfries & Galloway teen thrives as volunteer
Finlay alongside fellow Haggeye member and MSYP Kerry
At just 18, Finlay Anderson has already achieved so much. Preparing to embark on a new academic journey at the University of Edinburgh to study Law, Finlay’s path has been paved with dedication to advocacy and volunteerism, which he began navigating from a young age after losing his sight.
Finlay joined Haggeye - RNIB Scotland’s youth forum for blind and partially sighted young people, finding solace in a community where shared experiences and understanding were abundant.
“To not feel alone anymore. Everyone was, and still is, so kind. Which was something I desperately needed at that point in my life. It's great to have met friends who have shared their own experiences and ways of navigating day to day life. Through Haggeye I’ve gained confidence and have felt empowered to get involved in opportunities and follow my passions.”
I still remember my feelings after my first meeting and thinking how great it was to be heard and listened to by other young people who shared similar experiences to my own
Finlay was diagnosed around 10 years old, with a neurovisual impairment, meaning that while his eyes are healthy, his vision is affected by the processing of information in the brain. He describes the impact,
“Both my central and peripheral vision are affected. As a result, I struggle perceiving visual information that is low-lying, lying to the side, cluttered and far away. In addition, it impacts my ability to recognise familiar objects such as locations and faces. I often struggle in dimly lit places or where there is not much contrast in the environment.”
The sense of community and support through Haggeye became a cornerstone for Finlay’s future endeavours. He recently completed his first year studying neuroscience at the University of St Andrews but chose to switch to Law, a field that aligns more closely with his interests and advocacy goals. This September, he will begin his studies at the University of Edinburgh.
Outside of academia, Finlay's volunteerism spans several notable roles. From 2021 to 2023, he served as a young advisor for the Children and Young People’s Commissioner for Scotland, advocating for young people's rights and participating in significant policy discussions. His role in the Scottish Youth Parliament for Galloway and West Dumfries further amplified his efforts, allowing him to work on issues like inclusion, equality, and disability awareness.
As a chairperson of the Dumfries and Galloway Youth Council, Finlay developed key reports and chaired important meetings, demonstrating leadership and a commitment to youth engagement. His work culminated in the successful Youth Matters Conference in 2022, which brought together over 110 young people with disabilities to voice their concerns and recommendations.
Currently, Finlay serves as a board trustee for Partners in Advocacy and is actively involved in RNIB Scotland’s Advisory Group. His recent role as an #IWill Scotland ambassador saw him engage in high-profile events, including a Youth Gathering organized by the EU delegation and an All-Party Parliamentary Group in the UK Parliament.
Finlay’s inspiration to volunteer stems from his own experiences of not being heard or supported during crucial times. This personal drive fuels his advocacy, ensuring that young people’s voices are heard and respected. He says, “I was inspired to volunteer because there’s been periods in my life where I haven’t had the support I needed. These are times when my voice wasn’t heard, listened to or respected. But I have fought to change that and have since been advocating for young people to have their voices heard on the issues that matter the most to them.”
Some of the most rewarding aspects of my volunteer work have been seeing the positive impact that listening, working, and engaging directly with young people can have
Finlay's dedication to making a difference is evident in the myriad of roles he has undertaken and the significant impact he has had on policy and youth engagement.
Going forward, Finlay continues to encourage other blind or partially sighted young people, especially those facing challenges, to get involved in volunteering. “Attend information sessions, reach out to organizations, and inquire about the support they can provide. Organisations highly value the perspectives of blind and visually impaired young people,” he advises.
