Scottish Veterans Commissioner | News

January and February Round-up

Nicola McArthur — Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:57:00 +0000

Care After Combat

The SVC office was represented at a moving and informative event at Trades House in Glasgow, presented by Care After Combat, members of Thrive Together. The session provided valuable insight into the charity’s work to support veterans in prison and within the wider criminal justice system.

Empowering veterans to thrive in business

Nicola McArthur — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 17:14:00 +0000

Last month I had the honour of attending the Scottish Forces in Business Awards – a highlight in the calendar year for the veteran community.

December round-up

Nicola McArthur — Mon, 22 Dec 2025 18:25:00 +0000

Grief Awareness Week

The month of December began with Grief Awareness Week - a time to promote better understanding of the impact of grief and raise awareness of available support.

Supporting the Bereaved Community

Nicola McArthur — Thu, 04 Dec 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Since becoming Scottish Veterans Commissioner three years ago, one of my key priorities has been to shine a light on the members of the veteran community whose voices are less often heard.

November round-up

Nicola McArthur — Wed, 03 Dec 2025 18:29:00 +0000

Scotland’s Housing Network Annual Gathering

It was a privilege to speak at Scotland’s Housing Network Annual Gathering, where I was joined by Kevin McLeod from Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR). Kevin shared a powerful and deeply personal account that resonated strongly with all who attended. His experience underscored the challenges some veterans face when securing stable housing, and highlighted the importance of identifying veterans and understanding their unique needs and experiences in a housing and homelessness prevention context.

Joint Statement on Legacy, from the Veterans Commissioners for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Nicola McArthur — Mon, 17 Nov 2025 18:19:00 +0000

We have spent the period since the First Reading of the Bill engaging with the Government on behalf of the veteran community to express the level of anger and frustration that the implications of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill raises for those that served during Operation Banner.

October round-up

Nicola McArthur — Mon, 10 Nov 2025 14:13:00 +0000

Cycling Without Age Scotland

I joined Veterans Minister Graeme Dey for the launch of Cycling Without Age Scotland’s (CWAG) new branch at Scottish Veterans Residences’ Whitefoord House. CWAG provides opportunities for people with limited mobility or those facing isolation to get outdoors and enjoy social interaction and camaraderie. It was a pleasure to spend some time speaking with residents, SVR staff, and the dedicated CWAG volunteers.

Reflecting on a decade of progress

Nicola McArthur — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 13:49:00 +0100

Publishing this year’s Progress Report represented a significant milestone - for the first time since these reports began, no recommendations have been rated red. That means there is evidence of progress being made across every area under review – as the breadth of policy and service areas assessed continues to grow each year.

September round-up

Nicola McArthur — Sat, 11 Oct 2025 13:38:00 +0100

Progress Report 2025

I launched my 2025 assessment of Scottish Government progress on implementing SVC recommendations. For the first time, no recommendations are rated red. While this is encouraging, I remain focused on ensuring that activity translates into meaningful outcomes for the veteran community in Scotland.

Joint Statement on Legacy, from the Veterans Commissioners for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Nicola McArthur — Tue, 23 Sep 2025 16:47:00 +0100

As the Veterans Commissioners for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, we recognise that the legacy of the Northern Ireland Troubles is a complex and sensitive matter, and one that successive UK Governments have sought to address. However, we must highlight that there is currently doubt and concern in the veteran community over the government’s legacy policies.

SVC publishes annual progress report 2025

Nicola McArthur — Thu, 11 Sep 2025 09:04:00 +0100

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Publishes Annual Progress Report Highlighting Decade of Progress

Scottish Government urged to maintain focus on health and homelessness

August round-up

Nicola McArthur — Fri, 05 Sep 2025 18:03:00 +0100

Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo

It was a huge privilege to attend this year’s Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo as a guest of Air Officer Scotland. The performance was outstanding, bringing together Scottish and international performers in a spectacular display of music and ceremony. The moving inclusion of the Ukrainian Naval Orchestra was especially powerful, and a reminder of the unifying spirit of this world-renowned event.

Joint Statement from the Veterans Commissioners for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Nicola McArthur — Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:20:00 +0100

On the occasion of 80th Anniversary of Victory over Japan (VJ) Day – 15 August 2025

VJ Day 80 – Lest we forget

Nicola McArthur — Tue, 12 Aug 2025 17:00:00 +0100

This week, people across the country and around the world will mark the 80th anniversary of Victory over Japan Day - when the Second World War finally came to an end.

July round-up

Nicola McArthur — Fri, 01 Aug 2025 14:03:00 +0100

UK Parliament Scottish Affairs Committee

I welcomed the opportunity to give evidence to the Westminster Scottish Affairs Committee at the start of the month, alongside the Executive Chair of Veterans Scotland. We discussed a range of topics with the Committee Members relating to support for our veteran community in Scotland, covering both reserved and devolved responsibilities.

Veterans and Finance – Learning from lived experience

Nicola McArthur — Fri, 18 Jul 2025 14:39:00 +0100

Last month, I published my latest report, which explored the financial wellbeing of Scotland’s veterans in depth.

Joint Statement from the Veterans Commissioners for Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland

Nicola McArthur — Fri, 11 Jul 2025 11:11:00 +0100

June Round-up

Nicola McArthur — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 17:13:00 +0100

Armed Forces Week

Armed Forces Week provided a welcome opportunity to come together in appreciation of the UK’s regular and reserve forces, veterans and their families.

Recognition and Redress for LGBT+ Veterans

Nicola McArthur — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 18:18:00 +0100

As Pride Month draws to a close, it’s a time not just to celebrate, but also to reflect. While June can be filled with colour, joy and solidarity for the LGBT+ forces and veterans communities, it also brings a spotlight on the painful legacy of exclusion that so many have lived through – and the ongoing work still needed to ensure every veteran feels recognised, supported, and valued.

Report Launch: Veterans and Finance

Nicola McArthur — Tue, 17 Jun 2025 18:42:00 +0100

New Report Explores Financial Concerns for Veterans in Scotland

The Scottish Veterans Commissioner has today published a new report exploring the financial wellbeing of veterans in Scotland – with recommendations to the Scottish Government aimed at improving experiences and outcomes.