Case studies

Ian Shiells

Dec 5, 2024: “As someone who had a smooth transition to civilian life, I wanted to support veterans who hadn’t been as fortunate."

Kent

Jun 20, 2024: “I’m glad that people are no longer having to go through what I went through and hide who they truly are. No one should have to live a lie.”

Sophia

Apr 15, 2024: "When my dad left the Army two years ago, it was really confusing and stressful for everyone. I was sad to leave the military community and move into an ordinary house where I didn’t know the neighbours."

Richard Barker

Sep 14, 2022: “I feel that having a GP who is better informed about veterans and their backgrounds would have been really beneficial. My GP was in an area with a sizeable military and veteran population, yet he was unable to offer me any specialised advice or refer me to more suitable support.”

Sam McGeachie

Aug 14, 2022: “It was really important that I found somewhere I felt safe and secure. But it was my first home outside the Army and I didn’t know where to start.”

Sally – The Story of a Wee Scottish Veteran in 2020

Jul 14, 2022: 28-year-old Sally* served in the Army for five years, including a tour in Afghanistan. Since leaving the Army, she had struggled with her physical and mental health and had little stability in life. When she finally reached out for help, she found an amazing team of support workers and volunteers working tirelessly together to help her get back on her feet.

Red Bruce

Apr 14, 2022: “It got to the point where I only had a couple of months to find something, or I was going to be leaving without a job on the other side”

Dominic Pitts

Mar 14, 2022: “When I was asked by my Resettlement Officer what I wanted to do on leaving the Army, it was the first time in eleven years that I’d had to make a decision for myself.”

Craig Powers

Feb 14, 2022: “We’re bad at selling ourselves and we underestimate our skills because we can’t see how they fit in the civilian world.”

Follow us on Instagram Instagram

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
3 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
Loading