Guidance on offer to deal with the blind

A LIST of instructions has been issued across the Lothians on how to deal with guide dogs and their trainers.

Timed to coincide with Guide Dog Week, which takes place next month, the list is aimed at helping guide dogs get through their training and allowing blind people to go about their business without distraction.

The South Scotland Guide Dogs team will launch the campaign in Livingston from October 6.

Among the instructions are not to distract a guide dog while it is working, never tell it what to do, and never feed one, as their diet is already perfectly balanced.

The campaign will also attempt to show sighted people how tricky navigating busy streets can be, and encourages the public to offer help to blind people when necessary.

Colin Gallagher, district team manager of Guide Dogs in South Scotland, said: "We are proud to be supporting the national Guide Dog Week campaign, educating local people and public service providers about how best to provide sighted guide assistance."