Harping on about braille
Image of Fiona Kyle, with Gus her guide dog sitting beside a grand piano, playing the harp.
A blind harpist will help mark an important milestone this week at an event to celebrate the bicentenary of the invention of braille. The Scottish Parliament reception, organised by RNIB Scotland, will mark 200 years of the tactile code which enables blind and partially sighted people to read and write.
Fiona Kyle, a harpist based in Moray, will perform at the reception, playing a collection of traditional Scottish and French songs.
Fiona began her studies and career in social work and complimentary therapies, but it was the harp which captivated her after hearing it in a ballet performance of The Nutcracker. She would go on to learn to play through school and the Clarsach Society in Edinburgh, learning by ear.
“I have very little useful vision these days, but I feel grateful to still have light perception so I can see the sun and occasional light reflections on water,” Fiona says. “I was taught to play harp in the traditional way by not using written music at all. I always learn new songs by ear, and if I’m learning from a teacher, I can ask them to describe finger positions and practise until I’ve memorised an arrangement.”
"My favourite music piece usually depends on what I’m working on. I have written pieces for the guide dogs I’ve had over the years; Krissie’s tune, and Stepping Out (for Gerri) which was a reflective piece, showcasing the various stages of building confidence in stepping out with a new guide dog.”
Fiona uses braille in her day-to-day life, via devices which display it and can be used to write electronically. “Having a device that’s portable is so much easier, as I can write notes when travelling, check the date and time, and have set lists to hand.
“Sighted people are always amazed when I explain how braille works. It is often a surprise that braille can take up so much space- one book could be several braille volumes if printed."
"Braille still has a future as long as people embrace it, and electronic devices are making this easier. However, ensuring children learn braille early and use it throughout their lives is key to keeping it thriving for generations to come.”
RNIB Scotland Director, James Adams says;
“Fiona’s performance will be a wonderful contribution to our celebration of the pioneering French teenager, Louis Braille’s invention. Braille remains a vital communication offering blind and partially sighted people privacy, independence, education, and opportunity. This reception is not only a tribute to Braille's legacy but also a reminder of the importance of accessibility and inclusion in our community.”
The braille reception will be formally hosted by Stuart McMillan MSP. The event will see engagement from the Consulate General of France, braille teacher Sue Marshall, and the gifting of a braille plaque to the Scottish Parliament to be accepted by Presiding Officer, Alison Johnstone MSP.
Presiding Officer,Rt Hon Alison Johnstone MSP. said:
“I’m delighted to be recognising the continuing importance of braille to our blind and partially sighted communities by marking this significant milestone in the Scottish Parliament.
“It’s really important to me as Presiding Officer that we communicate with all the people we represent in a diverse and inclusive way. I look forward to seeing the plaque unveiled in our public exhibition later on this year, which signals the importance we place on communicating with all our communities in the best way for them.”
