In monitoring progress in the delivery of SVC recommendations to the Scottish Government it is important to consider the impact on those I aim to support, namely veterans and their families. Their lives should benefit from the changing policy and practices that result from these recommendations.

The action necessary to make things better can be complex, often calling for joined-up thinking and collaboration across different agencies and change doesn’t happen overnight but we are starting to see real improvement. That is down to the effort of many individuals and organisations who have got behind the recommendations and worked together to influence and deliver change. That should be acknowledged and celebrated. This separate report on impact sets out all SVC recommendations fully achieved as at September 2025. Many more have progressed and are showing as partially implemented or implemented but work should continue to embed in my main progress report.

You can view all SVC recommendations fully achieved below.

Browse previous recommendations

In this section

Follow us on Instagram Instagram

Every #AnzacDay we remember Australians and & New Zealanders who have served in war, conflict & peacekeeping operations around the world. We honour their bravery and dedication, and thank them for their sacrifice.

#AnzacDay2026 #LestWeForget
Every #AnzacDay we remember Australians and & New Zealanders who have served in war, conflict & peacekeeping operations around the world. We honour their bravery and dedication, and thank them for their sacrifice. #AnzacDay2026 #LestWeForget
1 day ago
Following my recent visit to Inverness and Strathspey, my latest blog reflects on the vital role played by volunteers in supporting the veteran community and in honouring those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we all enjoy. 

Read more in my latest blog, link in bio - SVC news and blogs 🔗
Following my recent visit to Inverness and Strathspey, my latest blog reflects on the vital role played by volunteers in supporting the veteran community and in honouring those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we all enjoy. Read more in my latest blog, link in bio - SVC news and blogs 🔗
1 week ago
It was a privilege to meet Sharon Pickering, Community Support Worker for Scotland at Fighting With Pride, alongside RAF veteran Gary Wilson, who endured deeply unjust treatment under the pre-2000 LGBT ban.

Hearing their personal stories was incredibly moving, and a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of that policy. It also highlighted the challenges LGBT veterans continue to face today.

Support and services for veterans must be inclusive, accessible, and truly reflect the diversity of the whole community. 

@fightingwithpride
It was a privilege to meet Sharon Pickering, Community Support Worker for Scotland at Fighting With Pride, alongside RAF veteran Gary Wilson, who endured deeply unjust treatment under the pre-2000 LGBT ban. Hearing their personal stories was incredibly moving, and a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of that policy. It also highlighted the challenges LGBT veterans continue to face today. Support and services for veterans must be inclusive, accessible, and truly reflect the diversity of the whole community. @fightingwithpride
1 week ago
On Saturday I had the pleasure of joining a Borders veterans’ Big Breakfast in Kelso — a fantastic gathering that brought together veterans from breakfast clubs right across the region.
My thanks to John Greenwell, Veterans Champion for Borders Council, for organising such a welcoming and well‑connected event. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from veterans living in the Borders, understand their experiences, and learn more about the support that matters most to them.
It was inspiring to see veterans from different parts of the Borders coming together, sharing stories, and building connections that strengthen the whole community.
On Saturday I had the pleasure of joining a Borders veterans’ Big Breakfast in Kelso — a fantastic gathering that brought together veterans from breakfast clubs right across the region. My thanks to John Greenwell, Veterans Champion for Borders Council, for organising such a welcoming and well‑connected event. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from veterans living in the Borders, understand their experiences, and learn more about the support that matters most to them. It was inspiring to see veterans from different parts of the Borders coming together, sharing stories, and building connections that strengthen the whole community.
2 weeks ago
Loading