In 1995, Elaine Boyd moved to Edinburgh. She was in her early 20’s and looking for a social life. It was on a night out ten pin bowling that Elaine first met the folk from Ecas.
Ecas had teamed up with PHAB Scotland, providing transport for get-togethers. In those days, Ecas also had a Social Club and Elaine soon became an active member, helping to make things happen,
‘First it was Monday nights, then we soon added Thursday nights, also trips away once or twice a year.
‘Plus, a trip to Benidorm… that’s what you did in your 20’s!’
From Art to the Atlantic
Access to public transport was still very poor in 1990’s, making these adventures even more intrepid.
Not surprisingly, reminiscing brings a big smile to Elaine’s face as she talks about the good times and long-standing friendships she forged.
Alongside the socialising in those early days, Elaine joined the Ecas Art Group and has been a member ever since,
‘I’ve always done Art. My grandad was an artist. He did all sorts of art and so do I.’
Elaine studied Art at Stevenson College and her talent and versatility ranges from drawing and painting with her mouth and feet, to sculpture. Her work took centre stage at Ecas Tryptic exhibition at the National Gallery in 2011. Here she is pictured with David the Chimp, inspired by her many years volunteering at Edinburgh Zoo.
More recently, Elaine has been creating digital artworks.
Elaine highlights the many ways she has benefited from Ecas, including as a grant recipient. Ecas has contributed towards equipment from a fridge-freezer to arm splints and a frame runner, to mini breaks and an Atlantic voyage on the Lord Nelson! Elaine steered this beautiful tall ship into Southampton harbour with her feet during the Cowes Week Regatta in xxxx!
From Board Room to Mission Accomplished
From 2010-2020, Elaine was a much-valued member of the Ecas Board, an experience she really enjoyed,
‘I learned a lot and was also able to give guidance and help shape the organisation’s approach.’
Over the years, Elaine has seen Ecas evolve and develop its services. She is keen to stress that, throughout, the strength of Ecas is its consistency and quality of support,
‘Ecas is always there for me. It’s a rock.’
For Ecas, our relationship with Elaine helps us demonstrate why we are here and the essential value of what we do. Elaine is a true trailblazer, and we thank her hugely for sharing her experiences with us,
‘I share because I want to inspire other people.’
Talking of inspiration, in August this year, Elaine completed the Scottish Half Marathon,
‘It was actually a crazy thought one day…
‘I’m going to run a half marathon before I turn 50. On race day, we absolutely nailed it!
‘The whole experience was incredible from start to finish. Mission accomplished.
‘My dream has come true.’
Supporting adults with physical disabilities since 1902
Ecas supports adults with physical disabilities in Edinburgh and Lothian. We’ve done so for over 100 years.
The Ecas mission is to promote equality, choice and participation for physically disabled people through our activities, befriending service and grants. We provide opportunities for people to be self-fulfilled and to participate in all aspects of society. We also work to promote disability equality throughout society.
Find out more about Our Impact, the Ecas Team and our Board and Governance.