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FAQ

Below are answers to some of the questions that we are most frequently asked by veterans and their family members.

If you can’t find the information you are looking for below, please get in touch.

Am I a Veteran?

Veterans are defined as anyone who has served for at least one day in His Majesty's Armed Forces (Regular or Reserve) or Merchant Mariners who have seen duty on legally defined military operations.

What about Veterans’ families?

Veterans’ families – spouses, partners, children, parents and the bereaved – are all considered part of the veterans community.

What is a Commissioner?

A person authorised to do certain things by a specific Commission or Government Ministers.

What does the Scottish Veterans Commissioner do for the veterans’ community?

The Commissioner’s role is to improve outcomes for veterans in Scotland by championing the challenges facing veterans and influencing policymakers to address any changes required in devolved public services to meet veterans’ needs. You can read more about the role here.

A number of recommendations have been made by the Commissioner to help improve services, support and opportunities for veterans and their families which the Scottish Government has committed to implementing. The Commissioner reports annually on the progress that has been made against those recommendations. You can view the latest progress report here.

Does the Scottish Veterans Commissioner work for the Scottish Government?

The Scottish Veterans Commissioner is independent from the Scottish Government. All assessments and reports are impartial and she holds the Scottish Government to account when improvement is required in meeting veterans’ needs.

Can the Scottish Veterans Commissioner help me resolve an issue I am experiencing?

The Scottish Veterans Commissioner does not have the resource or remit to get involved in individual cases. She is not an Ombudsman and has no authority to intervene or investigate in such cases.

However, she is always open to hearing about the issues being experienced by the veterans’ community to help inform her work. While unable to operate at an individual level, should she see widespread evidence of problems within a particular area, she will address these at a national level.

If you are looking for advice or support with a specific issue, we suggest you visit our Support for Veterans page.

Can I share a negative or positive experience with the Commissioner?

The Commissioner is always open to hearing the experiences – both good and bad – of veterans and their families when accessing public services in Scotland. This helps to build a wider picture of strengths and gaps in the provision of support and services across Scotland.

If you would like to share an experience, please send us an email. Please note that the Commissioner is unable to intervene or investigate in individual cases.

If you are looking for advice or support with a specific issue, we suggest you visit our Support for Veterans page.

Can the Scottish Veterans Commissioner help with my Armed Forces Compensation or War Pension claim?

No. The Scottish Veterans Commissioner’s role is to assess and give advice to the Scottish Government and other public sector organisations in Scotland. Armed Forces Compensation and War Pension schemes are the responsibility of the UK Government, therefore the Commissioner does not have any power in this area.

For compensation, pension and welfare support you should always contact Veterans UK in the first instance. Their contact details can be found here.

Where can I get support with an issue I am dealing with?

Support (other than for pensions and compensation) is available from a wide range of statutory and charitable organisations, spanning areas such as employment, health and wellbeing, housing and finance. You can find more information here.

You can also get support from the Veterans Welfare Service (VWS) which provides a professional help and advice service to veterans or anyone supporting a veteran, their families and dependants.

How can I invite the Commissioner to my organisation or event?

The Commissioner is passionate about the veterans community and spends a lot of time visiting organisations and speaking with their members and staff. There are many organisations doing valuable and inspiring work, and while she would love to visit them all, it won’t always be possible to accept every invitation.

If you would like to invite the Commissioner to visit your organisation or event, please get in touch with us.

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During my visit to Speyside I was reminded of the Highlands' legacy as a military training ground and of the enduring importance of nations standing together in times of crisis. At the Glenmore Visitor Centre I spent time at the exhibit on Kompani Linge, the Norwegian SOE unit who trained in the Cairngorma before carrying out sabotage missions against Nazi forces. Their bravery- including the famous Operation Gunnerside at Vermork- played a crucial role in preventing the Nazis from.developing an atomic weapon. Their story, honoured hynthe Norwegian Stone, remains deeply inspiring. I also visited the graves and memorial of Force K6 in Kingussie- 14 soldiers from.pre partition India( now Pakistan) who served with the Royal.Indian Army Service Corps. Their graves were.lovingly tended by local resident Isobel Harling BEM, whose own brother fell in WW2. The beautiful memorial, created eith Jndian stone and Cairngorm granite, was supported by Highland Council and the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, with the project led by Colonel Heather Taylor. A moving day and a powerful reminder of the shared histories and sacrifices that bind nations together. # KompaniLinge #ForceK6 #Speyside #Remembrance
During my visit to Speyside I was reminded of the Highlands' legacy as a military training ground and of the enduring importance of nations standing together in times of crisis. At the Glenmore Visitor Centre I spent time at the exhibit on Kompani Linge, the Norwegian SOE unit who trained in the Cairngorma before carrying out sabotage missions against Nazi forces. Their bravery- including the famous Operation Gunnerside at Vermork- played a crucial role in preventing the Nazis from.developing an atomic weapon. Their story, honoured hynthe Norwegian Stone, remains deeply inspiring. I also visited the graves and memorial of Force K6 in Kingussie- 14 soldiers from.pre partition India( now Pakistan) who served with the Royal.Indian Army Service Corps. Their graves were.lovingly tended by local resident Isobel Harling BEM, whose own brother fell in WW2. The beautiful memorial, created eith Jndian stone and Cairngorm granite, was supported by Highland Council and the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, with the project led by Colonel Heather Taylor. A moving day and a powerful reminder of the shared histories and sacrifices that bind nations together. # KompaniLinge #ForceK6 #Speyside #Remembrance
2 days ago
Itbwas inspiring to visit Forces Manor in Kincraig, a remarkable not for profit facility that provides the Armed Forces Community with a comfortable place to stay, whether for Adventurous Training or rest and relaxation. I also visited the Speyside Trust's @badaguish_ centre which offers groups and families a warm.welcome.in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. No doubt a warm welcome awaits veterans wishing to experience the peace and majestic scenery of the Highlands.
Itbwas inspiring to visit Forces Manor in Kincraig, a remarkable not for profit facility that provides the Armed Forces Community with a comfortable place to stay, whether for Adventurous Training or rest and relaxation. I also visited the Speyside Trust's @badaguish_ centre which offers groups and families a warm.welcome.in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. No doubt a warm welcome awaits veterans wishing to experience the peace and majestic scenery of the Highlands.
2 days ago
I was delighted to join the Grantown on Spey veterans club on Wednesday as they celebrated their second birthday- a wonderful milestone for a group that has become an important hub for local veterans and their families. It was fantastic to meet so many people who've helped to build this welcoming group over the past two years. The sense of camaraderie, connection and community dpirit was clear to see. Clubs like this make a real difference- tackling isolation, supporting wellbeing and giving veterans a place to share experiences and stay connected. Huge congratulations to everyone involved. Here's to many mote years of bringing people together in Speyside and beyond. #Speyside #Veterans #CommunityMatters #GrantownOnSpey
I was delighted to join the Grantown on Spey veterans club on Wednesday as they celebrated their second birthday- a wonderful milestone for a group that has become an important hub for local veterans and their families. It was fantastic to meet so many people who've helped to build this welcoming group over the past two years. The sense of camaraderie, connection and community dpirit was clear to see. Clubs like this make a real difference- tackling isolation, supporting wellbeing and giving veterans a place to share experiences and stay connected. Huge congratulations to everyone involved. Here's to many mote years of bringing people together in Speyside and beyond. #Speyside #Veterans #CommunityMatters #GrantownOnSpey
2 days ago
I had the pleasure of visiting @auroraenergyservices on Tuesday where 3 transitioning Army personnel have completed a new 7 week programme to.prepare them.for careers in the wind energy industry. It was inspiring to hear how this training gives Service Leavers the technical knowledge, confidence and industry insight needed to step into one of Scotland's fastest growing sectors. The commitment shown by the learners and the supportive, hands on approach from the Aurora team, is exactly the kind of collaboration that benefits bot Service Leavers and employers. Scotland's renewable energy future is bright, and it's fantastic to see veterans playing a part in it. Well done to all involved.
I had the pleasure of visiting @auroraenergyservices on Tuesday where 3 transitioning Army personnel have completed a new 7 week programme to.prepare them.for careers in the wind energy industry. It was inspiring to hear how this training gives Service Leavers the technical knowledge, confidence and industry insight needed to step into one of Scotland's fastest growing sectors. The commitment shown by the learners and the supportive, hands on approach from the Aurora team, is exactly the kind of collaboration that benefits bot Service Leavers and employers. Scotland's renewable energy future is bright, and it's fantastic to see veterans playing a part in it. Well done to all involved.
3 days ago
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