The longest serving blind worker in Scotland has retired from RSBi after 51 years.

May McCann takes well earned retirement aged 69 after her career as a sewing machinist at one of Europe’s largest supported facilities in Glasgow.

When May McCann began her career at Royal Strathclyde Blindcraft industries (RSBi) in April 1960 Ben-Hur had just scooped 11 Oscars and Elvis Presley had just recorded ‘Are you Lonesome Tonight?’. Back then her first wage was £3, 3 shillings and 4d.

Now, at the age of 69, May has decided to retire after 51 years’ service as a sewing machinist, making her unofficially Scotland’s longest serving blind worker. She also has a proud service record, having only ever missed two days off work when she broke her foot.

May, who has been blind since she was a child, has enjoyed her many years working as a sewing machinist for the company and says friendships are the reason she has worked on so long.


RSBi is now one of Europe’s largest supported employment facilities, employing 240 workers, of whom more than 50 per cent have a disability. It is operated by City Building, Glasgow City Council’s arm’s-length construction company.

May, who lives in Glasgow’s Springburn area, is expected to continue sewing and enjoy some well-earned holidays in her retirement.

May McCann said: "I love my job and my colleagues at RSBi. It is a great place to work and I have been very happy here. Everyone has been so kind to me. RSBi is a huge part of my life. It will be sad to leave but I’ve been very lucky to have made so many good friends along the way.

“I have only ever had one minor accident on my machine. I caught my finger on the needle and some blood dripped on the material I was using. I never made that mistake again."

Dr Graham Paterson, director of operations for City Building, said: "During her 51 years, May has proved to be an excellent worker, always producing work to the highest of standards and making a real contribution to the success of RSBi. May is one of the real characters at RSBi and will be missed by everyone. I wish her a long and happy retirement."

At RSBi, staff produce high quality furniture, timber kits for new construction projects and bespoke office solutions to exacting customer standards. It has a unique social ethos and an extensive range of products.

The business has continued to evolve to meet the changing needs of the marketplace and currently specialises in manufacturing a wide range of products for a broad customer base across the public, private and third sectors.

It works closely with a range of organisations including Glasgow’s Helping Heroes, and also employs a number of disabled ex-servicemen at its facility in Glasgow. RSBi has had a presence in Glasgow for more than 200 years.

(GK/CD)