Above: Caring Scotland – Ten Portraits and Sound Collection, photograph by Kirsty Anderson
Ten Portraits is a photographic exhibition featuring Care Experienced people. We spoke to Chris, the photographer on the project. He tells us more about the work and how it shaped his own view of being Care Experienced.
How did you become involved in the project?
I saw an advert for the Ten Portraits project and thought it had my name on it. There was an application process then an interview. About 130 people applied, and this was then narrowed down to 20. After that, 6 of us were invited to an interview with National Theatre of Scotland.
I brought a selection of examples my printed work, as well as a photograph that spoke to me personally to discuss. I chose an immensely powerful image by my favourite portrait photographer Sarah Edmunds. I also talked about how I would approach working with people so that they felt safe and comfortable taking part.
I left the interview feeling like no stone was left unturned. A few days later I got a call to say they had chosen me as the photographer for the project. I couldn’t believe it. My partner Elaine, who pushed me to apply, was blown away, too.
How did you work with each person?
Each person was Care Experienced so I shared that I was too. The fact we had that connection put a lot of minds at rest. I also listened to their audio stories before we even thought about the photo shoot. This put the photo shoot in a broader perspective, so it aligned with what they wanted to share.
I did video calls, or met in person along with Genna (trainee project manager) with the participants, asking them about special places in their memories and what was important to them. And we’d allow for changes too. One person felt the approach didn’t resonate with their experience and comfort, so we changed plans and came up with a new approach. I was totally prepared to learn on the move regarding how people would react to ideas.
The team at National Theatre of Scotland was brilliant. They made sure people’s needs were met, and they understood potential triggers. They really made sure that people were safe, that they could open up, and would never be judged.
How do you capture someone’s personality?
Really, it’s about just listening to someone’s story and being able to relate to that story. Some might be happy memories, others might be serious situations. It’s also important that a person really feels comfortable and is OK. You let the person be themselves – with that relaxation there’s a moment, which is what you capture in that image.
And people chose specific locations which worked for them: one person chose a beach, another chose their old children’s home. We really left it open to each person to tell us what was important to them. That was key to making people feel at ease: that they could choose the places which stood out to them.
For example, Gemma had a lot of memories about travel and so we had Waverley Station as a backdrop for her. She brought the red coat herself and that really made the image ‘pop’. After the station, we knew another location wouldn’t have surpassed that for her portrait.
Above: Gemma, copyright Chris Scott Photography Dundee
What do you think was most important about this project for you?
It was a very personal journey for me as well. I was able to meet other Care Experienced people, listen to their stories and really connect. It was actually quite a healing process. I felt a real sense of belonging. It was an honour to meet these people and take their photograph.
I was given a lot of responsibility, so I guess an important aspect was living up to the challenge. But I got there and we made this happen. Being able to work on such a significant exhibition sort of removed any doubts that I might not be able to do something like this. It was a fantastic opportunity to work with participants and also the National Theatre of Scotland.
By doing this work, I’ve learned that there are other experiences. My own experience of care wasn’t great, but it was inspiring to hear people who had positive experiences. It was eye-opening and comforting. I would never have had that opportunity if I hadn’t done this project. I would have been stuck in my bubble. This opened my eyes a bit. I saw that everyone has their own story.
What do you hope this project might mean for other people?
For people who do not have experience of care, I hope this project shows diversity. There are different ages, jobs, backgrounds. Each portrait is different, each individual shines through. I hope the exhibition can spread some light and show that there are positive experiences alongside negative ones. People have made incredible successes in their lives, and some have used their own experiences to help others too.
It’s interesting to see how people have made it through their own experience of care. If you’ve not had that maternal or paternal encouragement, you must learn it yourself. That’s what I really picked up on: the grace of people who have used their own experience to move forward.
In essence, this is a listening project as it’s part of the broader Caring Scotland project. So really this is about Care Experienced people being heard, being able to speak and not being afraid to talk about your experience.
Find out more
Ten Portraits tours alongside One Hundred Voices, an interactive audio installation based on the testimony of the Care Experienced community in Scotland.
They are both part of the Caring Scotland listening project, documenting the lives and experiences of at least 100 members of the care experienced community in Scotland.
Caring Scotland aims to raise the profile, celebrate the achievements and empower the care experienced community.
The project is delivered by National Theatre of Scotland in partnership with Who Cares? Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. It was funded with an award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
Above: One Hundred Voices, photograph by Kirsty Anderson
Ten Portraits as part of One Hundred Voices is on display at the following venues:
The Scottish Parliament, Edinburgh
Wednesday 12 to Friday 28 August 2026
Citizens Theatre, Glasgow
Wednesday 2 to Saturday 12 September 2026
Easterbrook Hall, Dumfries
Thursday 17 to Saturday 19 September 2026
Millennium Centre, Stranraer
Thursday 24 to Saturday 26 September
Reid Hall, Forfar
Thursday 1 to Saturday 3 October
Rothes Halls, Glenrothes
Thursday 8 to Saturday 30 October
As part of her support with Future Pathways, Louise chose to explore her creativity through ceramics workshops. We spoke with her about learning new skills, building confidence and how creativity can bring change.
Exploring support
I’ve always been interested in ceramics. When I started with Future Pathways, my Support Coordinator explained that I could get support to do different things. I thought ‘maybe I could do pottery?’. This was like a dream for me. So, I did two short courses and then got a year’s membership for the workshops. I was so happy and, honestly, I’m still so happy even just talking about it now.
Confidence and connection
I do my course at Creative Bloc in Glasgow. They’re a social enterprise so they do a lot for the community. At first, I was anxious about going along. My Support Coordinator at Future Pathways talked me through it, and this calmed me down. In my first couple of months on the course, I was quite quiet. But that’s OK because when you’re doing pottery, you don’t have to really talk to people.
Now my confidence has built up. I look forward to seeing people and I can chat away to everyone. There is such a warm atmosphere, and everyone is so helpful and friendly. I know a lot of other people come to the workshop for their mental health. For me, it takes away all the anxiety.
The learning journey
When I first joined, I thought ‘I’ll never be able to do this.’ It takes practice but you see improvements. I’ve learnt how to create a pot on the wheel, trim it and glaze it. I’ve learned how to make mugs and add handles. I’ve also learnt sgraffito, a technique where you carve into the clay. And we learnt ‘hand building’ which is rolling out the clay and making sculptural pieces.
Originally, I was tense because my pots were falling apart. But that happens to everyone. So, even now, when they collapse, it’s still an enjoyable experience. I don’t feel frustrated. And when it goes well, I think ‘wow’, as I know how much concentration it takes to do it. I feel good about myself as I’ve managed to focus my mind. I get a great sense of satisfaction, such a lovely feeling.
Seeing the change
Now I feel really proud. I’ve made little bowls, cups, plates and even fruit sculptures. I’m still classed as a beginner, but I feel I’m seeing progress. Creative Bloc let me use the space to hold a charity event. I had my ceramics there and my friends brought their paintings and jewellery along too. The event was busy all day, people just kept coming! I sold almost all of my pieces and I raised £500.
I used to feel anxious about going out of the house. Now, I’m excited. I never thought I’d get the chance to do something like this. I just feel so privileged. My daughters love that I do this too. They like seeing what I make and that I’ve got something for myself. Doing this has changed my life completely.
Here, a person supported by Future Pathways describes how they feel about the service, the support and their life now.
“I have been supported by Future Pathways over the last few years and from the start it has been an overwhelmingly positive experience for me. My workers have all been down to earth and real people who have made me feel genuinely supported and cared about and, most importantly, at no point have I felt judged or treated in a negative way about any of my terrible past. Thank you to yous all for that.
I am a single dad and today it is roughly four years I have been back out of prison and on my positive life path so feels good to be writing this today. Future Pathways have supported me through house moves, a driving course and exam, and my full family history.
Future Pathways funding all of this, and just knowing I have a Future Pathways worker to support me through it as well, is literally life changing for me and my kids. I have been able to provide my kids with a permanent home we are all proud of and happy to live in. I could not have done this without Future Pathways.
I have been on – and am on – a journey of staying in a positive mindset and way of life. Today, ‘we’ as a family unit live comfortably and happy in our permanent house thanks, in a big way, to Future Pathways. My life is positive and healthy, and I am grateful for being able to achieve all of this over these last few years.”
Share your views too
You can give feedback on Future Pathways. For example, what you think we do well or what you think we need to do better. We really value your comments and ideas. There are lots of ways you can give feedback. You can:
- Fill in our feedback form here
- Email us at engagement@future-pathways.co.uk
- Talk to your Support Coordinator and they can share your feedback with us
- Send us a letter to Future Pathways, c/o Health in Mind, Links House, 15 Links Place, Edinburgh, EH6 7EZ
- Ask for a chat with our Impact and Evaluation Lead
Feedback can be anonymous. You do not have to give your name if you do not want to.
This year, Michelle published her memoir. It’s called Bringing Truth to Light. Here, she tells us more about raising awareness and fighting for change.
In June, my book Bringing Truth to Light was published. Writing the book was an emotional experience, but it was important for me to get my message out there. I wanted to raise awareness about the impact of abuse, fight for change and send a message of hope to other survivors.
Though my book covers my time in residential care, I thought it was important to also talk about my earlier life. People often experience traumatic events before they enter the care system, not just during it. By sharing my experiences, I hope to really challenge systems, services and people to do better.
When I disclosed abuse, I either wasn’t believed. Often, we were labelled simply as ‘attention-seekers’. Many times, people didn’t do the right thing. So I thought the consequences would be worse if I did speak up. With my book, I really want to call on adults to listen to children, ask how they are, give them a safe space where they can share and – crucially – believe what they say.
By stepping in and taking action, adults can make a life-changing difference. We need to create legislation where we can empower services to act immediately. When children are protected and given help earlier on, their adult lives can be so much better. I’d been seen as a ‘problem’ when I just needed safety and support. If I’d been listened to and helped, I could have been more stable and done more things.
I have a fire in my belly and I was determined to show my worth. But sometimes you need other people to see your potential. Once someone gave me a chance, I knew I’d shine. I’ve gone on to do courses and get into work. At my job, I’m given thanks and appreciation. I cry when I get this because I am grateful but also because I always knew I deserved it. When I was younger, I wasn’t acknowledged.
Now, I want to be an ambassador for survivors. The scars might stay, but you can learn to live with them. Don’t give up, keep fighting for justice and get the support that’s right for you. I want services to listen too: protect, listen and believe children. Everyone needs the chance to have a life.
When you get the opportunity, you can change paths. I’m now working on a new book and this one is completely different. It’s a war-time romance. And, like my writing, my life is going into a new chapter too.
Bringing Truth to Light
Michelle’s book is available on Amazon. It is a powerful memoir about breaking free from the past and reclaiming your voice – no matter how long it takes.
Rikki is a member of our lived experience group, Voices for a Better Future. He also took part in Caring Scotland, a creative oral history project from National Theatre of Scotland. The project documents the lives and experiences of at least 100 members of the care experienced community in Scotland. Here, Rikki reflects on taking part.
Voices For A Better Future is 4 years old. We’re a group of survivors who were abused by the Scottish care system. My time with Future Pathways is almost 10 years. Future Pathways was the signpost that I found and I raised a hand and asked for help and the rest is how a tapestry comes together. We were destined to come together.
I was interviewed for the One Hundred Voices project way back in February and March 2025. Karen Allan, the producer with The National Theatre Of Scotland, thought, ‘I want to put Rikki’s story forward for the One Hundred Voices at the Scottish Parliament’.
And the weird world of Rikki begin to sow seeds to bring everything together. There’s no magic or trickery, it’s a burning love in a man to bring memoirs and tales together with the possibility of bringing light to peoples heart’s.
I’m going to Edinburgh for 3 days because I have a Voices for a Better Future meeting coming up on 11 August. Travelling the same day would break me, so I’m going up the day before.
I will be going to One Hundred Voices at the Scottish Parliament on 13 August. It matters because my voice and story will be kept for millions of people coming behind me. I want things to change for the better.
The reason I’m writing this is to help others live a light life again. The only way to close that can of worms is to open it, pour it out, and get it out without fear or anger. Let the tears and the rain wash it down the drain.
Find out more
One Hundred Voices
One Hundred Voices is an interactive, audio-guided installation, bringing creative insight into living in the care system. It serves as an artistic act of recognition and celebration of the one hundred testimonies recorded through the Caring Scotland project.
The One Hundred Voices installation opens at the Scottish Parliament on 12 August 2026, before touring to Glasgow, Dumfries, Stranraer, Forfar and Glenrothes.
Caring Scotland is delivered by National Theatre of Scotland in partnership with Who Cares? Scotland and the National Library of Scotland. It was funded with an award from The National Lottery Heritage Fund
Voices for a Better Future
Voices for a Better Future is a lived experience voice group. The group brings together people who are, or have been, supported by Future Pathways. Members of the group want to make a difference for others with experience in care.
In May 2026, Voices for a Better Future reached their 4-year mark. They have helped to shape services and advocate for change, all while supporting each other in their own personal journeys. Here, members reflect on what the group means to them.
In 2025, Bradley published a book about his life. It is called Shadow in the Dark. He writes about his time in foster care and in prison, and fighting for justice through the courts. Here, Bradley shares his journey.
Please note: this article mentions abuse.
First steps
I hadn’t done much writing before. I didn’t progress well at school as I was so distracted by the abuse. Later on, I had done a bit of college but my life was so troubled. Learning felt impossible when I was still dealing with the impact of abuse.
But I knew I had something within myself. What got me into writing was letters. I had written to my Support Coordinator about my needs. She said my letter was a really good piece of writing.
Sometimes, people need encouragement. They don’t know the skills they have; they don’t find out until later in their life. I’m fortunate to have been supported by Future Pathways. Without them, I might never have known the skill I had for writing.
In my own words
I thought I would try to write everything down as a book. I was hesitant at first. But I thought ‘just write from A to Z, from start to finish’. I did it to the best of my memory, intelligence, knowledge and truth.
Writing Shadow in the Dark gave me the chance to write about the way my life was and what I went through. And, importantly, it was in my own words. Instead of hearing about my experience in the words of a social worker, a police officer or a judge, I got to say it myself.
A sense of belonging again
When you have been abused in care, you can feel like the impact doesn’t end. My book describes dealing with social care, psychiatric care and the prison system.
When I was in prison, I was locked out of society. My book was like an introduction into society again. I’ve put something I have made into the world and it’s the best thing I’ve done in my life.
Now I can feel like I’ve achieved something. When I saw a copy of my book, I couldn’t believe it. I thought, ‘That’s me! I’ve done that! This is my words!’. It felt like the most positive step.
Calling for change
Abuse can cause huge destruction in people’s lives. For a long time, it was like I was chasing my own ghost and left with nothing. But through my book, I felt I could challenge people, get them to listen and hold them to account.
In Shadows in the Dark, I talk about my fight for recognition and going to court. When I got justice, I finally got some peace. I felt everything being returned: my dignity, my pride, my innocence and my self-respect.
But changes still need to be made. Professionals and services could do better. They need to protect people more, respond to abuse in the right way, and be better at dealing with perpetrators. I hope my book can help people see the changes that need to happen.
Raising awareness
I’ve started writing another book. This one is about mental health and my experience in hospital on a psychiatric ward. There is positive work in psychiatry, but it still needs improvement. When you are in such a vulnerable state, you really need to be taken care of.
People can make assumptions about others that have poor mental health. You don’t know what people are going through. Sometimes, when people hear the words ‘poor mental health’, they hear an alarm bell. They can feel fear, alarm or curiosity. Instead, I want people to be more understanding.
New ways of living
When you are dealing with your abuse, and you’re by yourself, you might turn to drugs for comfort. But now, I’m finding other avenues instead, like connecting more with other people. I joined Voices for a Better Future. They have all had difficult experiences, but they keep going. And they encourage me too: they show me that I’m not alone.
I hope my book helps people find other ways to cope too. I thought I could pull someone out of a hole by describing the hole I was in. Maybe people will connect to that. I am still here: my book shows you can survive.
Shadow in the Dark: A Memoir of Survival, Resilience, and Redemption
Bradley’s shares his life, from neglect and foster care, through addiction and time in prison. Throughout his book is a sense of resilience and fighting for justice. We see how facing the past can be a battle, but that a different future is possible.
Discover more
Bradley took part in our VOICES film series. Each person has their own unique story to tell; together they show resilience, change, determination, hope, healing and inspiration.
In his film, Bradley talks about owning his story, finding the courage to speak up, showing that that justice is possible – and that one voice can inspire another.
Michael published a book about his experience as a child in care. In this article, he tells us more about writing the book and his message to people.
Please note: this article mentions abuse.
Michael was taken into care as a toddler, and lived in different foster placements and institutions. He experienced neglect and abuse during his time in care.
Over 20 years ago, Michael got a phone call from the police. They were looking into reports about abuse at a children’s home in Edinburgh. The phone call brought back Michael’s memories of his childhood.
Michael says, ‘After that call, nothing was the same. And nothing would ever be the same again.’ But, in 2025, he chose to write a book about his experience.
What made you decide to write your book?
I didn’t want to share it at first. I wanted to write it down for myself as a form of therapy, just to get it out. I had seen umpteen counsellors and psychologists in the past who had been no help whatsoever in this situation. So, I thought writing it down for myself might help me.
How did you write the book?
I had thought about putting it all down in writing for quite a while. But I’m not very good at reading or writing so I thought ‘it won’t happen.’
Then Future Pathways put me in touch with the Book Whisperers. They weren’t there to judge. They were there to just put it in black and white on paper for me.
I did take a break for a couple of weeks when things got difficult, like when I was describing the abuse. But I also felt I had to go through the difficulties because, in the long-term, it would better to get it out there.
What was it like to hold a copy of your book in your hands?
I sat down and read it from start to finish. It was good to see it for myself and be able to read it. I could ‘claim’ it, I could say ‘this is me, this is what happened.’
Now, when people ask ‘what happened?’, I can say ‘buy the book, read the book’. It’s easier now that it’s all written down. I can’t change what happened but putting it into a book helped me so much.
What’s changed for you since writing the book?
From the time I got that phone call from Police Scotland, I was short tempered, like a bear with a sore head. And that phone call was over 20 years ago. Since writing the book, I’m not as tetchy, not as wound up. I’m more open to talking about things like this than I was before. It’s nowhere near as bad as it was for me before and writing the book is a major part of that.
Putting the words down, seeing it in writing and reading it for myself – it helped me get it off my back. A great weight was lifted.
How do you feel now that your book is in the wider world?
It feels weird to know I have a book out there now, spilling my guts about everything that has happened, for everyone to read. It’s not what I ever thought I would do, but I’m glad I have.
It felt good to have it out there, down in black and white, so other people could see that this happened, not just to me but to so many others. And it felt good that the book could help another person. If it could help even just one person, then my job was done.
Do you have a message or people reading the book?
I just want people to read it and think about what they’ve read. I want them to just to be aware that this did happen, and it still does. It’s not something that can be swept under a carpet any longer. It is something that needs to be openly talked about.
People have more knowledge nowadays because of the Inquiry and things like that. But I don’t know if they fully understand the scale that it happened at. My story is just a small part of the bigger picture.
I know this happened over 50 years ago for me now, but it’s still happening and there are still children being hurt. So, I think people just need to read about it and just think about it. I wanted the book to be a voice for people who had been through what I’d been through but didn’t have the courage to come forward.
What would you say to someone who hasn’t told anyone else what has happened to them?
I’d hope that the book would encourage them enough to tell their partner or someone that they trust. Even if they don’t report it to the police, but just share it with another person. By sharing it, it will make it slightly better, slightly easier. Maybe they could come forward if they felt they weren’t alone.
Nowhere to call home
A story of extraordinary resilience, the redeeming power of love and the possibility of healing.
We always love to highlight people’s creativity and are really pleased to share more poetry from Brendan.
Brendan says:
‘If you feel like picking up the pen to write, it’s a good way of getting rid of your angst. Very cathartic.’
He says about prison that ‘Conditions in prison at that time were a lot harsher but I’m sure they’ve improved through time. Use your time wisely.’
Retro Guard
Behind the prison walls
The guard is at ease
No more the social outcast
His moral outrage will appease
He opens up for slop out
And observes them as they go
Their overall debasement
Helps his self-image grow
He shouts them by their second name
While they address him Sir
His tone of voice leaves no doubt
That he intends the slur
He sneers as they approach him
For something that they need
And if they want it more than pride
He’ll give it when they plead
His days work done
His complex cured
Beyond the walls
He can now be allured
Retro Prisoner
Court all rise
Sentenced and leering
Righteous justice dispensed
Smile but fearing
Their eyes downcast
Pity momentarily appealing
Exit quickly
Your mute plea they are not hearing
In the morning your mind awakes
Can sense your confinement
Your brain screams to escape
Your body shivers, shivers
Shame contact makes
Toilet done
A new day breaks
Know your number
Forfeit your name
Don’t feel resentment
Forget your shame
New rules, our game
When we say jump
Ask how high
Not for the likes of you
To question why
You’ll eat all your meals in your cell
You’ll excrete there as well
Then at ten you’ll go to sleep
Try counting pigs
More apt than sheep
Integrate and you’ll get by
Just one of many in this our sty
Here, Trevor talk about why he writes and how it can be a positive thing for him. He also share a short piece of his writing.
“I write as a way of exploring ideas which interest me. I find writing gives a sense of purpose. In my view, writing is very good for anyone and, in particular, any who carry residual memories from childhood.
Writing evolves naturally and sometimes stories almost write themselves. I find that interesting. Any form of creativity is a benefit and many will already know this from their own experience. Negativity can be turned into positivity by looking at how it arose to begin with.”
The Great Con
By 2026 the world had become a theatre of polished lies. Not the old clumsy kind — the new kind. The kind engineered by consultants, algorithms, and institutions that had long since forgotten what truth even felt like. Every screen glowed with promises. Every voice of authority spoke with the confidence of someone who knew they’d never be held accountable. Every institution — political, commercial, religious — had perfected the same trick:
Sell illusion. Punish doubt. Profit from confusion.
People didn’t live in a society anymore. They lived inside a sales pitch. Politicians were the easiest to spot. They didn’t govern — they performed. Their speeches were stitched together from recycled outrage and pre‑tested slogans. Their smiles were calibrated. Their empathy was scripted. Their convictions were whatever the polling software spat out that morning. They didn’t need to solve anything. They just needed to look like they might.
And the public, exhausted from years of being squeezed, tricked, billed, surveilled, and blamed, clung to the performance because the alternative was admitting the truth:
The people in charge weren’t steering the ship. They were decorating the lifeboats.
You can read more of Trevor’s creative writing below.
Michael shares his wonderful art works with us. And we find out more about his approach to creativity.
How do you choose what to do a picture of? Does this change depending on your mood?
My work is often guided by instinct rather than a fixed plan. I don’t always begin with a clear idea of what the final image will be. Instead, I allow mood, memory, and emotion to shape the direction of a piece. Some days I might feel drawn to something calm and expressive, while at other times my work becomes more intense or abstract. Because of this, my subject matter and style can shift quite naturally depending on how I feel in the moment.
You have lots of different styles – do you decide what style before you start or is it during the process?
I work across a range of styles, including painting, drawing, and mixed media. Rather than deciding on a style beforehand, I often discover it during the process. Materials themselves play a big role—whether it’s the fluid movement of acrylic, the softness of pastels, or the detail of pen work. Each piece becomes a conversation between the medium and my state of mind at that time.
What do you most enjoy about making art?
What I enjoy most about making art is that sense of immersion. When I’m working, everything else falls away. It allows me to focus, to process, and to create something meaningful out of what might otherwise feel overwhelming. There’s also a strong sense of fulfilment in knowing that something deeply personal can resonate with others.
How does art help you through difficult times?
Art has been particularly important in helping me through challenging times. As a neurodivergent person, I have often found the world confusing and, at times, overwhelming. Art gives me a way to make sense of that. When words don’t quite fit, visual expression allows me to explore thoughts and feelings in a different way. Even something as simple as a few marks on a page can shift perspective and open up new ways of thinking.
Why do you think creativity is important?
I believe creativity is essential, not just in art but in life. It allows us to problem-solve, to adapt, and to see beyond immediate challenges. There are moments when life doesn’t offer clear answers, and creativity becomes a way of navigating that uncertainty. For me, it has been both a grounding force and a way forward—a means of turning difficult experiences into something constructive and, hopefully, something that others can connect with as well.
