It was a life-changing moment for a visually impaired woman from Blantyre when her guide dog walked into her life.

Following the loss of her sight, Laura Bradley felt anxious and fearful doing something like taking the bus.

She has now regained her freedom with the help of Autumn with whom she travels on the bus.

On International Guide Dog Day last week, First Bus highlighted Ms Bradley's journey back to the bus celebrating the experiences of the people it keeps moving every day across Scotland. 

Glasgow Times: She has now regained her freedom with the help of Autumn, with whom she travels on the bus

The stories of those who use the bus and the impact it has had on their lives are captured in a content series called First Bus Firsts.

Ms Bradley said: "Taking the bus was something I wouldn’t have to think twice about before but, when I lost my sight, this simple act presented so many obstacles and filled me with fear and anxiety.

“I feel like I’m back in control of my life again with Autumn. She’s brought me mobility, and newfound independence as, with her, I can regularly use the bus to get to where I want and need to be.

“Autumn is phenomenal – the best guide dog there has ever been. Every morning, she leads me to the bus stop and indicates when a bus is approaching and lets me know when it’s arrived by standing up and shaking.”

Autumn finds Ms Bradley a seat once they are on the bus.

Their partnership has significantly reduced her anxiety and allowed her to interact with others, which previously seemed daunting.

Ms Bradley said: "She’s had such a profound impact on my life, allowing me to travel safely with her support.

"I can’t imagine my life without Autumn now. She really is my guardian angel with a wagging tail."

Seeing the positive changes Autumn brought to her life, Ms Bradley has been giving back to the community by volunteering for Guide Dogs charity since 2016.

By 2017, she advanced into a business support role in the organisation.