Kris’ epic 2000-mile railway journey to highlight life with sight loss
A Kirkcaldy man living with severe sight loss has embarked on an extraordinary 2000-mile railway challeng which will take him across Scotland and Northern England.
Kris Baillie is raising funds for Fife sight loss charity Seescape, and also to challenge perceptions of what people with visual impairments can achieve.
He will spend four days navigating Britain's railway network, beginning and ending his journey in his hometown, with a fundraising target of £1500 to support Seescape's work helping people living with sight loss.
The challenge which runs from November 9-12, will see Kris travel 2260 miles through destinations including Edinburgh, Berwick-upon-Tweed, Aberdeen, Inverness, Dingwall and Carlisle, with the possibility of venturing as far as Kyle of Lochalsh.
The ambitious journey marks his third major fundraising challenge for Seescape, building on previous long-distance adventures, including an epic 2700-mile journey across the UK.
However, for Kris, the challenge is about far more than clocking up miles.
Living with severe sight impairment himself, he hopes to demonstrate that sight loss does not automatically mean losing the ability to travel independently, while highlighting the vital role that accessible public transport and appropriate assistance play in enabling people with visual impairments to lead fulfilling, independent lives.
A lifelong railway enthusiast, Kris' passion for trains began at just two years old when family members took him to a railway station. What started as a childhood fascination has since become a driving force behind his ambitious fundraising efforts.
He said: "I've loved railways for as long as I can remember. My mum and grandmother took me to a railway station when I was just two years old, and I've been fascinated by trains ever since.
"Living with severe sight impairment means there are certain things I can't do, like driving, but that doesn't mean I can't travel independently or take on challenges like this.
"Sight loss is a spectrum, and I want to challenge the assumption that everyone with a visual impairment faces the same limitations. Given my own severe sight impairment, this journey is an opportunity to demonstrate what can be achieved with the right assistance and accessible transport.
"I've set myself a fundraising target of £1500, but I'd love to raise even more for Seescape. It's a charity that makes a real difference to people living with sight loss, and I hope people will get behind the challenge and support me along the way."
The journey will also shine a spotlight on the importance of accessible rail travel, with Kris relying on assistance from railway staff and transport providers throughout his four-day adventure.
Northern Rail has supported the challenge by providing complimentary travel passes, while the Caledonian Sleeper has also offered travel support, helping Kris complete sections of his ambitious route.
Kris previous railway adventures have not been without difficulties. During an earlier challenge, he encountered significant accessibility issues, highlighting the challenges that passengers with visual impairments can still face when navigating public transport.
Ailsa Alcock, head of fundraising at Seescape, said:"Kris is a fantastic example of the determination, independence and ambition of people living with sight loss, and we're incredibly grateful that he has chosen to support Seescape once again.
"His railway challenge carries such an important message. Sight loss affects everyone differently, and with the right support and accessible services, people with visual impairments can continue to live independently, pursue their passions and achieve extraordinary things.
"We're so proud to support Kris as he takes on this latest adventure and would encourage everyone to get behind him. Every donation will help us continue supporting people affected by sight loss across Fife."
> You can donate to Kris’ JustGiving page - www.justgiving.com/page/kris-rail-challenge-2026