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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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Great to be in the gallery for the debate on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. A consensual debate highlighting the huge value contributed by our veteran community, the support available if needed, and the progress we still need to make. Always good to see Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC and Brigadier Jody Davies MBE as well. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read the Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2024 report.
Great to be in the gallery for the debate on support for the veterans and armed forces community in Scotland. A consensual debate highlighting the huge value contributed by our veteran community, the support available if needed, and the progress we still need to make. Always good to see Brigadier Andy Muddiman ADC and Brigadier Jody Davies MBE as well. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read the Scottish Government Support for the Veterans and Armed Forces Community 2024 report.
15 hours ago
On International Volunteer Day, I'm celebrating the remarkable contribution that the support and dedication of volunteers make to the veteran community. As highlighted in my Anything But Uniform report, volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of both beneficiaries and volunteers themselves. Ian Shiells, who volunteers with Fares4Free has shared his story to help raise awareness of volunteering. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read.
On International Volunteer Day, I'm celebrating the remarkable contribution that the support and dedication of volunteers make to the veteran community. As highlighted in my Anything But Uniform report, volunteering can make a huge difference in the lives of both beneficiaries and volunteers themselves. Ian Shiells, who volunteers with Fares4Free has shared his story to help raise awareness of volunteering. Click the link 'other links' in our bio to read.
1 day ago
At the @veteranshousingscotland Annual Gathering on Thursday night, we heard how the charity's focus on people and partnership has enabled it to expand services this year. It was a pleasure to catch up with Anna Wright, CEO of @armedforcescovfundtrust.
At the @veteranshousingscotland Annual Gathering on Thursday night, we heard how the charity's focus on people and partnership has enabled it to expand services this year. It was a pleasure to catch up with Anna Wright, CEO of @armedforcescovfundtrust.
6 days ago
Having served in the previous HMS SHEFFIELD, it was a privilege to witness the first cutting of steel for the next RN ship to bear this name. The T26 class is being built by BAE Systems at Govan, a notable employer of ex-Service personnel in Scotland with a supportive Veterans Employee Recognition Group. I also met members of the HMS SHEFFIELD Association whose ship was so sadly lost in the Falklands conflict in 1982, and Cdr Andrew Loring RN, whose family presented this Sheffield steel valve wheel which his father had rescued from the first HMS SHEFFIELD commissioned in 1937.
Having served in the previous HMS SHEFFIELD, it was a privilege to witness the first cutting of steel for the next RN ship to bear this name. The T26 class is being built by BAE Systems at Govan, a notable employer of ex-Service personnel in Scotland with a supportive Veterans Employee Recognition Group. I also met members of the HMS SHEFFIELD Association whose ship was so sadly lost in the Falklands conflict in 1982, and Cdr Andrew Loring RN, whose family presented this Sheffield steel valve wheel which his father had rescued from the first HMS SHEFFIELD commissioned in 1937.
1 week ago
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