News

August round-up

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.

Meeting with Defence Medical Welfare Service

I had a very useful meeting with CEO Abby Dryden, Margaret Partridge and Robert Reid from the Defence Medical Welfare Service (DMWS). It was encouraging to hear about the partnerships they are building across Scotland to support veterans who come into contact with the health service, ensuring they receive timely and compassionate help when they need it most.

Remembering Victory over Japan Day – 80 Years On

August marked 80 years since Victory over Japan Day – when the Second World War finally ended. I had the honour of joining commemorations to pay tribute to the courage and sacrifice of all who served in the Far East, to remember the families who waited at home, and to give thanks for the resilience of those who rebuilt in the aftermath.

At the Scottish National War Memorial, the poignant anniversary service offered an opportunity to reflect on the moving stories of veterans and their families. I was pleased to catch up with Sue Raw, Secretary of the War Widows Association, and to hear once again the human stories that remind us of the debt we owe.

I also attended the Commonwealth War Graves Commission’s VJ80 Commemoration at Stirling Castle - a fascinating and deeply moving afternoon that highlighted the suffering and brutality endured in the conflict.

I shared my reflections on this important anniversary in a blog, which you can read here, and I also issued a joint statement with the Veterans Commissioners for Northern Ireland and Wales, honouring all who served in the Far East, which you can read here. Their courage, sacrifice and unity continue to inspire us eight decades on.

Veterans In-Service Injury Network (VISIN)

The launch of the Veterans In-Service Injury Network (VISIN) by the Veterans Minister in Inverness marked the delivery of a key recommendation from my office and represents an important step in creating a dedicated pathway of care for those injured while serving. Its value will depend on consistent delivery across Scotland, but its launch is a milestone worth noting.

Remembering Commonwealth Soldiers

This month the SVC Office was represented at a Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) event in Glasgow highlighting the Punjab Registers research project. The initiative, run in partnership with the UK Punjab Heritage Association, is uncovering the stories of thousands of Punjabi soldiers from the First World War who are missing from CWGC records.

It was powerful to see this important work underway to ensure those who served – and in many cases gave their lives – are recognised and remembered.