Christmas background: a visually impaired Scotsman shares his love of photography

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Despite the fact that Montreal has been his home for seven decades, James remains a proud Scotsman. The 93-year-old Glasgow native was a member of many Scottish organizations throughout his life, maintained a busy social calendar, and worked to preserve Montreal’s Scottish past even as the community declined over the years. One of his fondest memories from his youth was helping organize a welcome party for his cousins, who served in WWII.

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Although he has a steady income from his pension after overcoming a gambling addiction years ago, he is always willing to spread Caledonian traditions in any way possible.

“I always said he danced better than he walked,” James laughed. “Although at this point that may be a bit of a stretch.”

Retired for 30 years, the former banker has taken up another interest in recent years: photography. He’s a member of numerous Facebook photography groups and even stays in touch with his hometown photographers, giving him a much-needed connection to home. But she is in danger of not being able to enjoy her new hobby any more, as her eyesight has progressively worsened. He went from no longer being able to drive to having a hard time even crossing the street.

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“I’m almost blind,” James said. “I keep magnifying glasses everywhere and they put a needle in my eye every month to prevent blindness. It’s not very funny. “

James has become so adept at using his tablet and social media that he now helps teach others how to use the internet at his nursing home in Hungary. He does not plan to stop, as long as his eyesight allows him to continue.

“It’s funny, I’ve even started taking pictures myself,” he said. “Photography has allowed me to be in contact with people and has given me a reason to communicate with others.”

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