Improving understanding of Scotland’s veteran community

British Armed Forces woman and manNational Records of Scotland has today published data about Scotland’s veteran community that was collected in Scotland’s Census in 2022.

The statistics are a valuable resource in providing a greater understanding of the make-up of Scotland's veteran community, with figures revealing that 176,100 people in Scotland identified themselves as veterans within the Census, representing a range of ages and living across all parts of Scotland.

However, it is important to note that this is just the start of the publication of much more detailed data. It’s hoped that the results will help build a clearer picture than ever of the veteran community in Scotland, which in due course, will allow service providers, policy makers and decision takers to act on verified and accurate information, and ensure that service planning and delivery meets the needs of our diverse veteran community.

The question about whether people had served in the Armed Forces was included in the Census for the first time ever, following a period of campaigning by veteran groups and charities.

As well as dispelling some of the myths and stereotypes about our veterans, the data should help to ensure that at a national and a local level, no one in Scotland is disadvantaged as a result of their Service.

I’d like to thank all of the veterans in Scotland who took part in the Census and recorded their status as a veteran for doing their bit to improve support, services and outlooks for our community.

You can learn more about the results published today at Scotland’s Census.

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10 things to know about veterans and their families...

@veteransofficegovuk has created a series of resources to improve understanding of the veteran community for people working alongside them or developing or providing services.

The resources include a poster, a desk aid and a short film. 

You can find out more at the link in my bio 🔗
10 things to know about veterans and their families... @veteransofficegovuk has created a series of resources to improve understanding of the veteran community for people working alongside them or developing or providing services. The resources include a poster, a desk aid and a short film. You can find out more at the link in my bio 🔗
3 days ago
I had a very productive meeting in Dundee this week with David Wallace, CEO of Social Security Scotland. It was good to hear about the development of the organisation since it became operational. He explained the focus on dignity, fairness and respect when supporting applicants.
I had a very productive meeting in Dundee this week with David Wallace, CEO of Social Security Scotland. It was good to hear about the development of the organisation since it became operational. He explained the focus on dignity, fairness and respect when supporting applicants.
4 days ago
During my visit to Dundee on Monday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Campbell, Lord Provost of Dundee and Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, about the support available for the local veteran community.

I also met Susan Paterson, NHS Tayside’s Executive Armed Forces Champion, to discuss how NHS Tayside upholds its Armed Forces Covenant commitments – to its staff as an ERS Gold Award holder, and to those accessing health and care services.
During my visit to Dundee on Monday, I had the pleasure of speaking with Bill Campbell, Lord Provost of Dundee and Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, about the support available for the local veteran community. I also met Susan Paterson, NHS Tayside’s Executive Armed Forces Champion, to discuss how NHS Tayside upholds its Armed Forces Covenant commitments – to its staff as an ERS Gold Award holder, and to those accessing health and care services.
5 days ago
I enjoyed the opportunity to meet students and alumni of the cyber security Pathways Programme at @abertayuni, which allows Service Leavers to gain cyber skills and qualifications while tackling a crucial skills gap. With thanks to Natalie Coull who runs the programme at Abertay, Martin Bell of @veteransscotland, and Andrew Jackson of @salutemyjobuk, which recruits and selects Service Leavers and veterans for the programme.
I enjoyed the opportunity to meet students and alumni of the cyber security Pathways Programme at @abertayuni, which allows Service Leavers to gain cyber skills and qualifications while tackling a crucial skills gap. With thanks to Natalie Coull who runs the programme at Abertay, Martin Bell of @veteransscotland, and Andrew Jackson of @salutemyjobuk, which recruits and selects Service Leavers and veterans for the programme.
6 days ago
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