Comedian Fred MacAulay was led outside the BBC Scotland studios in a blindfold yesterday to promote the Guide Dogs Scotland charity.

He was joined on the walk by trainee guide dog Jasper,a 19-month-old yellow Labrador/Retriever cross, as he navigated the BBC car park, between pedestrians and cyclists on the river walk, and over the Clyde across the Bell’s and Millennium bridges.

“Taking a blindfold walk with Jasper was a really interesting challenge,” said Fred. “I felt like I was walking around at a normal pace, but of course I was only going at about fifty per cent of my normal speed. I certainly became more aware of the traffic near me, and the first step down from a kerb surprised me.

“But Jasper was a good, responsive dog and took good care of me. The blindfold walk gave me an insight into the tremendous trust and faith someone with sight loss has to place in their guide dog, and the skills needed from both the owner and the guide dog to get about together safely.”

The comic was also reunited with his namesake, guide dog puppy MacAulay. Fourteen month-old black Labrador/Retriever cross puppy MacAulay was a frequent visitor to Fred’s popular MacAulay and Co radio show, where listeners were kept updated with his ongoing training.

“I wouldn’t have recognised the big feller because he’s so much bigger than when he was last in the studio,” said Fred. “He’s in good form and his training is going well. I’m told he’s strong willed – which isn’t a typical MacAulay trait.”

Terry Thorpe, manager of Guide Dogs Glasgow Mobility Team, is encouraging people to help train more puppies like puppy MacAulay, by supporting Guide Dogs Scotland.

“There are around 530 guide dog owners in Scotland, but only because members of the public make it happen,” said Terry. “It costs around £50,000 to train and support each guide dog partnership, and Guide Dogs Scotland receives no government funding for this service, which relies entirely on public generosity.

“Wherever you live in Scotland, across the summer our volunteers will be holding a fundraising event near you. By backing Guide Dogs Scotland, you can help get another guide dog puppy on the road to being a life changing guide dog for someone with sight loss.”