We can't believe BlindCraft has been put to bed

BlindCraft workers outside the gates of the factory after it was closed for the last time, with many fearing they'll struggle to find a new employer

But yesterday the doors of the Craigmillar BlindCraft factory were closed for the last time as it became a high-profile victim of council budget cuts.

The remaining employees turned up for one final time to bid an emotional farewell as many face an uncertain future with little chance of gaining meaningful employment again.

Despite a well-fought campaign to save it - which was backed by the Evening News - a solution to maintain the facility, founded as the Royal Blind Asylum in 1793, was not found in time.

City chiefs say there may be interest from other businesses in taking over the enterprise, as the new owners will not be bound by any prior agreements on pay and conditions.

David Anderson, 44, had worked at BlindCraft for more than 14 years. He suffers from a condition called cerebellar ataxia, which affects the central nervous system, and started working at the factory when it became too dangerous for him to work elsewhere.

Mr Anderson said: "It gave me the level of support I needed and they didn't expect you to do things that would put you at risk because they understood disabilities and limitations.

"I loved it, so it is absolutely devastating. I feel very emotional that I will never be going back to BlindCraft.

"It gave me security and the ability to support myself and my family. I was brought up in a working class family and I want to work. I don't want to live on benefits.

"I have applied for a few jobs, but it's hard enough for anyone to find a job these days, never mind for a disabled person."

Like five of his colleagues, Mr Anderson will now be carrying out a part-time placement with social enterprise Forth Sector, working in St Judes Laundry.

Fraser Queen, branch organiser for the Community union, worked at BlindCraft for 24 years, and is angry the Scottish Government did not step in.

The workers have been campaigning for First Minister Alex Salmond to offer the same kind of help he arranged for a similar workshop in Aberdeen after ministers admitted last week that Glencraft (Aberdeen) Ltd had received a total funding package of 528,695.

Mr Queen said: "I started at BlindCraft when I was 20 and I progressed through to health and safety advisor.

"When I started in 1987 there were 130 people working there. We met (Enterprise Minister] Fergus Ewing (on Thursday] and whilst it was a positive meeting, the realisation was there wasn't going to be a big company to save us.

"We are disappointed that the Scottish Government haven't done more. All we wanted to do was work."

Tony Mulvey, 26, who has mild learning difficulties and worked at BlindCraft for four years, has managed to secure a placement with Forth Sector.

He said: "I feel that the council should have been doing a lot more for us."