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

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I was proud to join the Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian and Provost of East Lothian, along with councillors, veterans and cadets at the Armed Forces Week flag raising in Haddington today.

#SaluteOurForces
#ArmedForcesDay
#ArmedForcesCommunity 

@eastlothiancouncil
I was proud to join the Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian and Provost of East Lothian, along with councillors, veterans and cadets at the Armed Forces Week flag raising in Haddington today. #SaluteOurForces #ArmedForcesDay #ArmedForcesCommunity @eastlothiancouncil
10 hours ago
It’s #ArmedForcesWeek, a chance to come together to honour the dedication of our serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets, and the loved ones who support them. Together they make up a diverse and vibrant community that should be recognised and celebrated.

#SaluteOurForces
#ArmedForcesDay
#ArmedForcesCommunity
It’s #ArmedForcesWeek, a chance to come together to honour the dedication of our serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets, and the loved ones who support them. Together they make up a diverse and vibrant community that should be recognised and celebrated. #SaluteOurForces #ArmedForcesDay #ArmedForcesCommunity
18 hours ago
Forces Children Scotland marked the 5th anniversary of their rebrand today with a joyful celebration of five recent projects delivered with and for children and young people from Forces and veteran families.
I was delighted to present medals to some of the young people who co-produced the Forces Children’s Rights Charter, recognising their nominations for the Celebrating Forces Families Awards — a well-deserved tribute to their dedication and impact.
Meanwhile, also at Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart Campus, the Armed Forces Community Big Day Out was in full swing. The event was officially opened by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Cllr Robert Aldridge, and attended by the Armed Forces Minister, Louise Sandher-Jones MP — a fantastic show of support for our armed forces community.

#ArmedForcesDay

@forceschildrenscotland @lordprovostedinburgh @louisesandherjones4ned
Forces Children Scotland marked the 5th anniversary of their rebrand today with a joyful celebration of five recent projects delivered with and for children and young people from Forces and veteran families. I was delighted to present medals to some of the young people who co-produced the Forces Children’s Rights Charter, recognising their nominations for the Celebrating Forces Families Awards — a well-deserved tribute to their dedication and impact. Meanwhile, also at Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart Campus, the Armed Forces Community Big Day Out was in full swing. The event was officially opened by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Cllr Robert Aldridge, and attended by the Armed Forces Minister, Louise Sandher-Jones MP — a fantastic show of support for our armed forces community. #ArmedForcesDay @forceschildrenscotland @lordprovostedinburgh @louisesandherjones4ned
2 days ago
Today I’ve published my new report on veterans and employment.

Employment is key to a successful transition to civilian life, and while most veterans go on to thrive in second careers, some still need support.

Scotland has made strong progress, but more can be done. We must turn intent into consistent action, strengthen leadership and data, and ensure every veteran can access the opportunities available.

Read the full report at the link in my bio 🔗
Today I’ve published my new report on veterans and employment. Employment is key to a successful transition to civilian life, and while most veterans go on to thrive in second careers, some still need support. Scotland has made strong progress, but more can be done. We must turn intent into consistent action, strengthen leadership and data, and ensure every veteran can access the opportunities available. Read the full report at the link in my bio 🔗
3 days ago
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