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. 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 made between 2015 and 2018 which were fully achieved as at September 2026. Many more have been progressed and are showing as partially implemented or implemented but work has continued to embed them in my main progress report through the outcome focussed recommendations that have been made since 2020.

You can view all SVC recommendations fully achieved below.

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Preparations for the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2026 are already underway.

It was lovely to meet Leanne Bonner and Robyn Pattison from @Poppyscotland at the Scottish Parliament today, where they were encouraging parliamentarians and staff to volunteer some of their time for this year’s appeal.

Thank you to everyone helping make it happen.
Preparations for the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2026 are already underway. It was lovely to meet Leanne Bonner and Robyn Pattison from @Poppyscotland at the Scottish Parliament today, where they were encouraging parliamentarians and staff to volunteer some of their time for this year’s appeal. Thank you to everyone helping make it happen.
7 hours ago
A pleasure to meet Gillian Russell, CEO of the Association of Royal Naval Officers and the Royal Naval Officers' Charity last week.

We discussed how these organisations provide comradeship and support for anyone who holds or has held commissioned rank in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and QARRNS, and their spouses or partners.

Veterans | Armed Forces Community
A pleasure to meet Gillian Russell, CEO of the Association of Royal Naval Officers and the Royal Naval Officers' Charity last week. We discussed how these organisations provide comradeship and support for anyone who holds or has held commissioned rank in the Royal Navy, Royal Marines and QARRNS, and their spouses or partners. Veterans | Armed Forces Community
1 day ago
I attended a very helpful meeting this week with Kevin Kane, CEO of @sharedparentsco, and Mark Downie, their Armed Forces and Veterans Manager.
 
Our discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that all family members affected by separation have access to the help they need, especially children, in order to achieve better outcomes for families and communities.
 
If this topic affects you, please reach out to @sharedparentsco
I attended a very helpful meeting this week with Kevin Kane, CEO of @sharedparentsco, and Mark Downie, their Armed Forces and Veterans Manager. Our discussion highlighted the importance of ensuring that all family members affected by separation have access to the help they need, especially children, in order to achieve better outcomes for families and communities. If this topic affects you, please reach out to @sharedparentsco
4 days ago
Leaving the Armed Forces is a process unique to each person.

One Transition, Many Lives is a new film from Forces in Mind Trust following four different journeys from military to civilian life.

It shows how personal circumstances, family life, preparation and access to support can shape what happens next.

Most people transition successfully and bring valuable skills and experience into civilian life, but the right support still matters.

Click the link in our bio to watch the film.
Leaving the Armed Forces is a process unique to each person. One Transition, Many Lives is a new film from Forces in Mind Trust following four different journeys from military to civilian life. It shows how personal circumstances, family life, preparation and access to support can shape what happens next. Most people transition successfully and bring valuable skills and experience into civilian life, but the right support still matters. Click the link in our bio to watch the film.
5 days ago
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