Brief Profile

Margaret Blackwood was a warrior in a wheelchair. Her successful campaigning for a national disability income was a huge achievement on the road to helping people with disabilities lead independent lives.

Diagnosed with muscular dystrophy as a schoolgirl in Edinburgh she found it impossible to complete her apprenticeship as a watchmaker. For years she was in a state of helpless despair, until in 1965 she became aware of the Disability Income Group set up in England by Megan du Boisson who had multiple sclerosis. Contact with Megan inspired Margaret to set up a similar Group in Scotland. Margaret tirelessly lobbied MPs organised a march along Princes Street and a rally in Trafalgar Square.

In 1971, the Chronically Sick and Disabled Act was passed which included such benefits as mobility allowance and attendance allowance. Margaret was nominated Disabled Scot of 1971 and received an MBE in 1972.

She turned her attention to campaigning for housing for people with disabilities, through the Margaret Blackwood Housing Association.

In 1978, at Perth Royal Infirmary, Margaret married Charles McGrath with whom she had worked in the Disability  Income Group. Charles was severely affected by ankylosing spondylitis; he died two weeks after their wedding.

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