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Previous Commissioners

Charlie Wallace

Scottish Veterans Commissioner 2018-2022

Charlie Wallace took up the post of Scottish Veterans Commissioner in September 2018 after completing 35 years’ service in the Army.

He followed a traditional career in the Infantry holding various command appointments on operations and at home. He saw active service in Iraq and Afghanistan, with the UN in the Former Yugoslavia (Bosnia, Serbia and Croatia) and Northern Ireland during Operation Banner. He also served in Brunei, Hong Kong, Nepal, the Falkland Islands, the USA, Canada and India.

Charlie was the chief planner in HQ Multi-National Division (South East) in Basra, Iraq and held the same role for a year in HQ Regional Command (South West) in Afghanistan’s Helmand Province for which he was awarded the US Bronze Star. His last appointment in the Army was Deputy Commander of 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland.

Deeply committed to addressing the challenges that individuals and their families face after military service, Charlie sought to highlight the impressive talent this group of people bring to our society. He wanted to help the Scottish Government recognise this talent and showcase it to those who may not understand or be fully aware of it. Charlie also sought to ensure that those who made mental and physical sacrifices for their country were appropriately cared for and given the best opportunities to positively contribute to civilian society.

During his time as Commissioner Charlie produced four reports in a series entitled ’Positive Futures’, which focused on getting Transition (from the armed forces) right in Scotland:

As part of the scrutiny and supportive challenge aspect to his role, Charlie introduced a system of Progress Reporting on the implementation of all SVC recommendations. Progress is monitored by the SVC office and the Commissioner now reports annually in an electronic Progress Report published each autumn and available on this website. Details of all recommendations which have been fully achieved can be found under Impact.

 

Eric Fraser CBE

Scottish Veterans Commissioner 2014-2018

Eric Fraser took up his post as Scotland’s first Veterans Commissioner in August 2014. His four-year appointment allowed Eric to identify areas in public services that might provide greater support for the veterans community in Scotland, as well as helping shape future policy development and opportunities.

Eric joined the Royal Navy in 1976. During a 37-year career he served at sea and ashore, including a period as a gunnery officer during the Falklands conflict. He also commanded HMS Guernsey and HMS Boxer, and was the Assistant Naval Attaché in the British Embassy in Washington DC at a time that spanned the 2001 attack on the World Trade Centre and Pentagon.

Subsequent appointments focused on joint operations including spells at the Permanent Joint HQ in London. Later, he had responsibility for providing communications and IT support for all UK forces deployed overseas for which he was awarded a CBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours List in 2009.

Eric’s final posting before retiring from the Navy as Commodore in January 2014 was as the UK Naval Attaché in the British Embassy in Washington DC.

His work as Scottish Veterans Commissioner focused on three key areas:

  • Reviewing the support provided to veterans in Scotland
  • Challenging the negative perceptions of ex-service personnel and promoting their skills and experience
  • Enhancing veterans’ access to support services through improved information and communication

During his four years as Commissioner Eric published five detailed reports, with 63 recommendations to Scottish Government and others. These can be found on this website.

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I welcome the publication of the new UK Veterans Strategy, which sets out a clear vision that veterans are celebrated for their service, their potential is fully realised, and the right support is in place to achieve this. It’s encouraging to see a stronger focus on outcomes and measuring impact, under the strategic themes of Celebrate, Contribute, and Support. I am pleased that the Scottish Government will now develop a Strategy Action Plan to deliver this vision across Scotland - particularly in devolved areas such as health, housing, and justice. I look forward to continuing to support all efforts to improve the lives of veterans and their families across the country. Read the full Strategy at the link in my bio 🔗
I welcome the publication of the new UK Veterans Strategy, which sets out a clear vision that veterans are celebrated for their service, their potential is fully realised, and the right support is in place to achieve this. It’s encouraging to see a stronger focus on outcomes and measuring impact, under the strategic themes of Celebrate, Contribute, and Support. I am pleased that the Scottish Government will now develop a Strategy Action Plan to deliver this vision across Scotland - particularly in devolved areas such as health, housing, and justice. I look forward to continuing to support all efforts to improve the lives of veterans and their families across the country. Read the full Strategy at the link in my bio 🔗
2 days ago
Today, I’ve published my new report on the support available to members of the military bereaved community. Bereavement within the Armed Forces community is uniquely complex - shaped by service, sacrifice, and shared experience - and it’s vital that support reflects this. Read the full report at the link in my bio 🔗
Today, I’ve published my new report on the support available to members of the military bereaved community. Bereavement within the Armed Forces community is uniquely complex - shaped by service, sacrifice, and shared experience - and it’s vital that support reflects this. Read the full report at the link in my bio 🔗
3 days ago
On Monday, I attended the opening of the exhibition Remembrance & Reconciliation at Edinburgh Napier University. It included a seminar which covered the history of Edinburgh’s Robin Chapel, and the efforts in Kutenholz, Germany, to honour everyone who died there in the Second World War, including Robin Tudsbery, in whose memory the chapel was built. We were treated to a moving performance by the chapel’s choir. It was truly special to see family members of British servicemen alongside the Kutenholz community, recognising their service and sacrifice.
On Monday, I attended the opening of the exhibition Remembrance & Reconciliation at Edinburgh Napier University. It included a seminar which covered the history of Edinburgh’s Robin Chapel, and the efforts in Kutenholz, Germany, to honour everyone who died there in the Second World War, including Robin Tudsbery, in whose memory the chapel was built. We were treated to a moving performance by the chapel’s choir. It was truly special to see family members of British servicemen alongside the Kutenholz community, recognising their service and sacrifice.
3 days ago
On this day, we pause in quiet reflection to honour those who gave their lives in service. We thank all those who have served, and we think of all those still living with the impact of conflict, including veterans, their loved ones and the bereaved. #LestWeForget
On this day, we pause in quiet reflection to honour those who gave their lives in service. We thank all those who have served, and we think of all those still living with the impact of conflict, including veterans, their loved ones and the bereaved. #LestWeForget
5 days ago
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