Visual Impairment No Barrier for Scotland’s Mr Lego

Stewart Lamb Cromar has achieved a lifelong ambition after Lego turned one of his designs into an official set.

It is an ambition he feared might never become reality after a detached retina left him with a visual impairment in 2020, a complication linked to his Type 1 diabetes.

What followed was a series of surgeries and ongoing challenges, leaving him with permanent sight loss in one eye.

Lego has always been an important part of Stewart's life. During some of the most difficult periods following his sight loss, the hobby helped him stay focused, motivated and creative.

Today, Stewart is sharing his story to raise awareness of visual impairment and encourage others to seek support when they need it.

“Sight loss is an invisible disability, which is why it’s so important to talk about it, raise awareness of available support, and remind people they are not alone,” said Stewart, who lives in Scotland.

"Losing my sight meant having to adapt to a completely new reality, and I found that incredibly difficult. There were some very dark days when I genuinely wasn't sure how I was going to cope. As everything changed around me, I started desperately searching online for advice, support and someone who understood what I was going through.

“Before my sight loss, I had never heard of Sight Scotland. During lockdown, when things were at their toughest, I found myself searching for Scottish charities that could help.

“As my situation became more serious, I realised I couldn't face it on my own. Making that first call wasn't easy, especially when you're feeling vulnerable and overwhelmed, but looking back, it was one of the most important decisions I made.

“That's the message I want to share with anyone going through something similar: support is there and it can make a real difference, so don't be too proud or too scared to ask for help.

“When I made the phone call to Sight Scotland's helpline and someone called me back, it made such a difference.”

Known by many friends as ‘Mr Lego’, Stewart has built hundreds of models over the years and says his passion for Lego became even stronger after losing his sight.

"I have always loved Lego, and I was so worried that I would no longer be able to do it with my visual impairment,” said Stewart.

"Lego is much more than a hobby for me – it keeps me moving forward. I'm always trying new things and pushing myself, and it is actually a really practical, tactile, activity for someone with sight loss.”

In 2026, Stewart achieved something he had been working towards since first submitting designs to Lego more than 10 years earlier.

His model, Highland Hike, featured a Highland cow called Flora and was inspired by childhood family holidays in the Scottish Highlands. The design was selected as a finalist in a Lego Ideas challenge before being put to a public vote. Stewart's entry won, meaning Lego chose it to become an official Lego set.

For more information, visit sightscotland.org.uk