New deal will help Blindcraft bed maker rest easy in future

Published on Saturday 21 June 2008 12:30

THE future of one of the oldest charities in Edinburgh has been secured thanks to a deal with a major High Street chain.

Blindcraft – the organisation which gets blind and disabled people into work by manufacturing beds and mattresses – is to supply beds to John Lewis.

The charity, which up until this contract was totally subsidised by the council, is now understood to be breaking even and harbouring hopes of becoming a profitable set-up.

The Craigmillar-based organisation is the oldest bed maker in the country and has been helping blind people find gainful employment for centuries. But in the last decade funding has become increasingly hard to come by and there were rumours the charity would have to be scaled down, and possibly eventually closed.

However, thanks to the unique deal which will see Blindcraft's Melody model sell commercially for the first time exclusively from John Lewis in Edinburgh, the future now looks considerably brighter.

Board member Cllr Alastair Paisley said the deal was great news for the charity, and paid tribute to manager John Gaffney for turning round its fortunes.

He said: "This is a fantastic achievement.

"In the past we have been subsidised 100 per cent and that can all change now.

"I really think this is excellent news for the manager, who's had a tremendous impact, and of course the workers there too."

It is understood the charity hopes to take the deal to a national level, and early indications are that the beds – priced at 150 – are selling well.

They even come with a manual written in braille. Up until now Blindcraft, founded in 1793, was only able to sell items from its factory outlet at Peffer Place, but the commercial opening has tremendous potential, according to Cllr Paisley.

A spokeswoman for John Lewis said: "They are a great organisation and have a really nice story behind them too."

The beds are available in the John Lewis store on Princes Street.

The city's health and social care leader Cllr Paul Eadie said he was delighted. "The council is very proud of its association with Blindcraft. All products made by Blindcraft are truly hand finished."