Contact Scotland BSL launch pilot of Video Relay Interpreting in community pharmacies
- Area of Work: Scottish Sensory Hub
- Type: News Item
- Published: 20th October 2026
Find out more about this pilot service for BSL users in Scotland.
The Scottish Government are pleased to announce that the Contact Scotland BSL pilot of Video Relay Interpreting (VRI) within Community Pharmacies is now live.
The pilot forms part of Scottish Government’s ongoing commitment to improving access for British Sign Language (BSL) users in Scotland and ensuring that communication support is available when and where it is needed.
By introducing VRI technology the Scottish Government aims to provide Deaf and Deafblind BSL users with more immediate access to qualified BSL interpreters during pharmacy consultations and discussions about their healthcare needs.
The pilot will enable users to connect with a registered BSL interpreter on their own smart phone via a QR code.
Throughout the pilot, the Scottish Government will gather feedback from BSL users, interpreters and pharmacy teams to understand the impact of the service and identify opportunities for improvement.
Videos in BSL outlining the Pharmacy First Service and a video guide on how to use the VRI service showing how the pilot will work in action can be accessed here.
The Scottish Government welcome support in raising awareness of the pilot and encouraging BSL users to use the VRI service when required.
End of page.
You may also like:
Are you blind or partially sighted? Share your experience of food packaging in a short UK-wide survey.
Continue readingFour free traineeships available in Scotland.
Continue readingLearn more about ishush - a free online support programme for adults with hyperacusis.
Continue readingConsultation launched for parents/carers, people with lived experience, and professionals.
Continue readingLearn more about Posterior Cortical Atrophy and why sensory care matters.
Continue readingAlison Thewliss MSP writes to Health, Care and Sport Committee as part of the First Minister's 100-day commitment on audiology.
Continue readingContact the Scottish Sensory Centre for an online consultation.
Continue readingThe Scottish Sensory Hub welcome your feedback to help inform their response to Scottish Government consultation.
Continue readingAward for outstanding contributions to the use of BSL in STEM education.
Continue readingAccess the Helpline for BSL users or make an online appointment.
Continue readingCall for participants with Deafness to take part in a project about incomplete sensory information.
Continue readingAccessible research for people who are Deaf, Deafblind or who have a Visual Impairment.
Continue readingTake part if you are aged 18 years or over with any level of Visual Impairment and any experience of PTSD
Continue readingTake part if you are a CODA over the age of 16 years old.
Continue readingHelp hearing health be recognised as a global priority.
Continue readingFind out what's on and attend accessible events.
Continue readingHelp shape the future of glaucoma care.
Continue readingTake part in a Lived Experience Advisory Group.
Continue readingOur response highlights the needs of people who are Deaf, Deafblind or who have a Visual Impairment.
Continue readingHave your say on the role of Vision Rehabilitation Assistants.
Continue readingSocial support group for adults with any level of Deafness or tinnitus.
Continue readingComplete this consultation if you access optometry services, support people to access eye care services, or are an eye care professional.
Continue readingFirst FIFA tournament to have sign language interpretation broadcasts for all matches.
Continue readingNew guidance supports Audiology services to design and develop clinical peer review schemes to support quality assurance.
Continue readingRegister for this paid Advisory Panel opportunity
Continue reading