World's first wheelchair venue opens in Clydebank

Hundreds of people came together to celebrate the opening of a unique venue in the Dunbartonshire Lieutenancy area on April 22nd.

The Red Ramp Charity Dinner at the Golden Friendships Club in Clydebank saw the opening of the World’s first wheelchair entertainment venue. 

Guests, among them Lord Lieutenant Mrs Jill Young MBE and Deputy Lieutenants Anne Smillie and Mark Billington, were entertained by former Scotland rugby player John Beattie and his band, with guest singers Jackie Bird and Michelle McManus.

Golden Friendships founder Jim McLaren said, “We believe this is the first in the world?” The Clydebank charity set up 6 years ago by the former taxi driver and local karaoke star as one half of The Karaoke Clowns has gone from 23 members on the first day to hosting up to 1,000 people using their facilities weekly.

People with special needs and the elderly, previously isolated in their homes and struggling with loneliness, suddenly had a place to go, enjoy the entertainment and most importantly enjoy the company of new friends in a safe environment.