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.

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A really valuable day of collaboration in action at the Unforgotten Forces Autumn Gathering yesterday. Great to see so many organisations, including new members, coming together to share experience, insights and practice in supporting older veterans across Scotland.
A really valuable day of collaboration in action at the Unforgotten Forces Autumn Gathering yesterday. Great to see so many organisations, including new members, coming together to share experience, insights and practice in supporting older veterans across Scotland.
2 days ago
A minor clan gathering at @poppyscotland's Scottish Poppy Appeal launch at Holyrood last night, where I met Major Del Hamilton, Commanding Officer of the Personnel Recovery Unit, and Captain Sean Hamilton of the Scots Guards.

A meaningful evening marking the beginning of Remembrance and the vital fundraising period that helps provide life-changing support for the veteran community.
A minor clan gathering at @poppyscotland's Scottish Poppy Appeal launch at Holyrood last night, where I met Major Del Hamilton, Commanding Officer of the Personnel Recovery Unit, and Captain Sean Hamilton of the Scots Guards. A meaningful evening marking the beginning of Remembrance and the vital fundraising period that helps provide life-changing support for the veteran community.
3 days ago
A minor clan gathering at the Scottish Poppy Appeal launch at Holyrood last night, where I met Major Del Hamilton, Commanding Officer of the Personnel Recovery Unit, and Captain Sean Hamilton of the Scots Guards.

A meaningful evening marking the beginning of Remembrance and the vital fundraising period that helps provide life-changing support for the veteran community.
A minor clan gathering at the Scottish Poppy Appeal launch at Holyrood last night, where I met Major Del Hamilton, Commanding Officer of the Personnel Recovery Unit, and Captain Sean Hamilton of the Scots Guards. A meaningful evening marking the beginning of Remembrance and the vital fundraising period that helps provide life-changing support for the veteran community.
3 days ago
Yesterday I was honoured to attend the service marking the dedication of the new LGBT+ Veterans Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, held in the presence of his Majesty The King. 

This poignant memorial honours those who served with courage and pride, including LGBT+ veterans who endured harmful treatment under the ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces which remained in place until the year 2000. 

I was delighted to meet LGBT veterans Janice and Kent who had both travelled from Scotland for the event. The memorial stands as a powerful symbol of Remembrance, recognition and progress, ensuring that every veteran’s service is valued and respected.
Yesterday I was honoured to attend the service marking the dedication of the new LGBT+ Veterans Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, held in the presence of his Majesty The King. This poignant memorial honours those who served with courage and pride, including LGBT+ veterans who endured harmful treatment under the ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces which remained in place until the year 2000. I was delighted to meet LGBT veterans Janice and Kent who had both travelled from Scotland for the event. The memorial stands as a powerful symbol of Remembrance, recognition and progress, ensuring that every veteran’s service is valued and respected.
5 days ago
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