What is the city centre like for people with sight loss?

I was given the sim specs that replicate sight loss for a person with diabetic retinopathy, which is the most common cause of loss of vision among people of working age in Scotland.

The specs allow for some, limited peripheral vision but straight ahead is blurred, blacked out right in the centre and people and objects are shadows and difficult to see.

READ MORE: Glasgow city centre is 'obstacle course' for people with sight loss

We walked along West George Street from Buchanan Street to George Square.

I was assisted by Glasgow City Labour councillor Robert Mooney, who is visually impaired.

Even though I know the stretch of the street very well and still had some sight, it was a very nervous walk.

Streets, that I normally feel totally comfortable and safe in, suddenly took on an element of the unknown.

Objects that normally you would see well in advance are only apparent when they are right in front of you.

As well as being careful where you put your feet, you have to be aware of what is coming towards you and what is further up the street.

On that short walk, of maybe 200 metres, there was every kind of obstacle you can imagine.

Electricity boxes, road diversion signs and roadwork signs, two of them placed right at a pedestrian crossing.

Huge planters, long, almost waist-high concrete bollards for anti-terror measures, street bins, lamp posts, a row of bike racks and the huge columns that hold up the Christmas lights and banners in the square all had to be negotiated.

A cyclist coming towards me was maybe only a yard away before I was aware of it.

It was impossible to walk in a straight line for any distance without another obstacle, suddenly appearing in front of you.

It was all extremely disorienting and I only felt safe because I knew where I was, had Robert by my side and I had the luxury of knowing that I would be taking the specs off in a few minutes and my vision would be fine again.