An Aberdeen grandmother and her trusty guide dog have been shortlisted for a top award after campaigning to make the city more accessible for people with sight loss.
Mary Rasmussen is heading to London next month as a finalist for the Guide Dogs Annual Awards.
She has been campaigning with the charity for the last 15 years and, in association with Aberdeen City Council and NHS Grampian, has helped to improve conditions for blind people and others with visual impairments – including the use of tactile paving to avoid accidents.
The 73-year-old was nearly struck by a lorry in the city centre two years ago and felt compelled to help others stay safe in the.
She met with city councillor Lesley Dunbar, who walked with her to experience the problems first hand.
Mrs Rasmussen, chairwoman of the Guide Dogs Aberdeen fundraising group, praised the work of the local authority and health board for acting on the ideas she had suggested.
She said there were still hot spots in the city which were dangerous, but thanked the council for making improvements at Carmelite Street to indicate a road junction for those with sight loss.
As a result of her hard work, she has been shortlisted for the Breaking Down Barriers award on December 9.
She, her husband Eric, and the faithful Nelson will join a host of stars at a glittering awards ceremony at the London Hilton Hotel.
Mrs Rasmussen said: “When you consider there are nearly 5,000 guide dog owners in Britain, to have somebody from the north east of Scotland reach this stage is quite surprising.”
A trip to the theatre is also being planned to make a grand occasion of the capital visit.
“We’re going to see Matilda and the Phantom of the Opera,” she added. “It’s our golden wedding anniversary on Christmas Day, so this has all happened at the right time.”
Mrs Rasmussen thanked her beloved Nelson too for supporting her along the way.
“I couldn’t have done it without him. He takes me to things, he’s my mobility.”