Blind pupils get a feel for new garden

BLIND children are to benefit from a unique "outdoor classroom" with the opening of a new sensory garden.

Water features, flower beds and storytelling areas all form part of a new garden at The Royal Blind School in Canaan Lane, Morningside.

Youngsters aged between five and 19 will finally get to use the creative space, which has been almost a year in the making, after seven years at the planning stage. As well as the sensory garden, the school is also unveiling its £2.5 million refurbished residential houses on the campus.

The Duke of Buccleuch and Queensberry, who is the school's president, was set to open both the garden and houses officially today.

Iain Prain, vice-principal of the school, said: "The sensory garden is the glue that links all our facilities together. It is a lovely space to explore."

• www.royalblind.org