Charlie Wallace announced as new Scottish Veterans Commissioner

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey has announced the appointment of Charles (Charlie) Wallace’s as the new Scottish Veterans Commissioner. His appointment will start in the autumn.

He is currently Deputy Commander, 51st Infantry Brigade and HQ Scotland and has had an exemplary 35 career in the Army. The role of Scottish Veterans Commissioner is unique in the UK and, since its creation in 2014, has been held by Eric Fraser.

It comes as the Minister launched a new guide providing practical information about services available in Scotland to support service personnel and their families.

Speaking ahead of Armed Forces Day, Mr Dey said:

“Scotland has a long and proud military tradition, with more than 500,000 people in our armed forces and ex-service community. I firmly believe they are an asset to Scotland, and I want to ensure they are properly supported.

“The work of the Scottish Veterans Commissioner has led the way across the UK as a voice for veterans within Scotland. Charlie Wallace brings a great deal of experience from his long and distinguished army career and I am confident he will build on the excellent work delivered by Eric Fraser.

“It is also essential service personnel and their families living or moving to Scotland can benefit from everything we have to offer, which the guide I am launching will do.”

Charlie Wallace said:

“I am delighted to be taking up the appointment of the Veterans Commissioner from Eric Fraser, who has done such an excellent job in establishing the role. I am really looking forward to championing the thousands of amazing veterans we have in Scotland and who contribute so much to our society.”

Eric Fraser, said:

“I am absolutely delighted that Charlie Wallace has been appointed as the next Veterans Commissioner. Having worked closely with him over the last couple of years I know he will bring enormous enthusiasm, energy and knowledge to the role and will work to ensure our veterans and their families receive the best possible support when needed, but also that they have the opportunity to make the maximum contribution to our communities across Scotland. I wish him every success in his new appointment.”

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On Saturday I had the pleasure of joining a Borders veterans’ Big Breakfast in Kelso — a fantastic gathering that brought together veterans from breakfast clubs right across the region.
My thanks to John Greenwell, Veterans Champion for Borders Council, for organising such a welcoming and well‑connected event. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from veterans living in the Borders, understand their experiences, and learn more about the support that matters most to them.
It was inspiring to see veterans from different parts of the Borders coming together, sharing stories, and building connections that strengthen the whole community.
On Saturday I had the pleasure of joining a Borders veterans’ Big Breakfast in Kelso — a fantastic gathering that brought together veterans from breakfast clubs right across the region. My thanks to John Greenwell, Veterans Champion for Borders Council, for organising such a welcoming and well‑connected event. It was a valuable opportunity to hear directly from veterans living in the Borders, understand their experiences, and learn more about the support that matters most to them. It was inspiring to see veterans from different parts of the Borders coming together, sharing stories, and building connections that strengthen the whole community.
6 days ago
During my visit to Speyside I was reminded of the Highlands' legacy as a military training ground and of the enduring importance of nations standing together in times of crisis.
At the Glenmore Visitor Centre I spent time at the exhibit on Kompani Linge, the Norwegian SOE unit who trained in the Cairngorma before carrying out sabotage missions against Nazi forces. Their bravery- including the famous Operation Gunnerside at Vermork- played a crucial role in preventing the Nazis from.developing an atomic weapon. Their story, honoured hynthe Norwegian Stone, remains deeply inspiring.
I also visited the graves and memorial of Force K6 in Kingussie- 14 soldiers from.pre partition India( now Pakistan) who served with the Royal.Indian Army Service Corps. Their graves were.lovingly tended by local resident Isobel Harling BEM, whose own brother fell in WW2. The beautiful memorial, created eith Jndian stone and Cairngorm granite, was supported by Highland Council and the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, with the project led by Colonel Heather Taylor.
A moving day and a powerful reminder of the shared histories and sacrifices that bind nations together.
# KompaniLinge #ForceK6 #Speyside #Remembrance
During my visit to Speyside I was reminded of the Highlands' legacy as a military training ground and of the enduring importance of nations standing together in times of crisis. At the Glenmore Visitor Centre I spent time at the exhibit on Kompani Linge, the Norwegian SOE unit who trained in the Cairngorma before carrying out sabotage missions against Nazi forces. Their bravery- including the famous Operation Gunnerside at Vermork- played a crucial role in preventing the Nazis from.developing an atomic weapon. Their story, honoured hynthe Norwegian Stone, remains deeply inspiring. I also visited the graves and memorial of Force K6 in Kingussie- 14 soldiers from.pre partition India( now Pakistan) who served with the Royal.Indian Army Service Corps. Their graves were.lovingly tended by local resident Isobel Harling BEM, whose own brother fell in WW2. The beautiful memorial, created eith Jndian stone and Cairngorm granite, was supported by Highland Council and the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society, with the project led by Colonel Heather Taylor. A moving day and a powerful reminder of the shared histories and sacrifices that bind nations together. # KompaniLinge #ForceK6 #Speyside #Remembrance
1 week ago
It was inspiring to visit Forces Manor in Kincraig, a remarkable not for profit facility that provides the Armed Forces Community with a comfortable place to stay, whether for Adventurous Training or rest and relaxation.
I also visited the Speyside Trust's @badaguish_ centre which offers groups and families a warm.welcome.in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park.
No doubt a warm welcome awaits veterans wishing to experience the peace and majestic scenery of the Highlands.
It was inspiring to visit Forces Manor in Kincraig, a remarkable not for profit facility that provides the Armed Forces Community with a comfortable place to stay, whether for Adventurous Training or rest and relaxation. I also visited the Speyside Trust's @badaguish_ centre which offers groups and families a warm.welcome.in the heart of the Cairngorms National Park. No doubt a warm welcome awaits veterans wishing to experience the peace and majestic scenery of the Highlands.
1 week ago
I was delighted to join the Grantown on Spey veterans club on Wednesday as they celebrated their second birthday- a wonderful milestone for a group that has become an important hub for local veterans and their families. It was fantastic to meet so many people who've helped to build this welcoming group over the past two years. The sense of camaraderie, connection and community dpirit was clear to see.
Clubs like this make a real difference- tackling isolation, supporting wellbeing and giving veterans a place to share experiences and stay connected.
Huge congratulations to everyone involved. Here's to many mote years of bringing people together in Speyside and beyond. 
#Speyside #Veterans #CommunityMatters #GrantownOnSpey
I was delighted to join the Grantown on Spey veterans club on Wednesday as they celebrated their second birthday- a wonderful milestone for a group that has become an important hub for local veterans and their families. It was fantastic to meet so many people who've helped to build this welcoming group over the past two years. The sense of camaraderie, connection and community dpirit was clear to see. Clubs like this make a real difference- tackling isolation, supporting wellbeing and giving veterans a place to share experiences and stay connected. Huge congratulations to everyone involved. Here's to many mote years of bringing people together in Speyside and beyond. #Speyside #Veterans #CommunityMatters #GrantownOnSpey
1 week ago
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