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January and February Round-up

Posted on March 8 2026 at 10:57

Care After Combat

The SVC office was represented at a moving and informative event at Trades House in Glasgow, presented by Care After Combat, members of Thrive Together. The session provided valuable insight into the charity’s work to support veterans in prison and within the wider criminal justice system.

Care after Combat works closely with criminal justice partners in England and Wales and delivers training and awareness sessions to organisations supporting veterans in Scotland and Northern Ireland.

My Veterans and the Law report examines the support in place for veterans involved in the criminal justice system and considers the role and contribution of those working or volunteering within it.

Sight Scotland Veterans

In January I was pleased to join UK Minister for Veterans and People Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Johanna Baxter MP and Paul Sweeney MSP for a visit to Sight Scotland Veterans’ Hawkshead Centre in Paisley.

We were shown around the impressive facilities by Bryce, an RAF veteran who uses the centre every week and who told us what a difference the support from Sight Scotland Veterans makes to him.

City of Glasgow College Maritime Hub

A visit to the City of Glasgow College Maritime Hub highlighted an inspiring facility delivering world-leading nautical training to students from the Royal Navy, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and Merchant Navy.

The hub offers access to a highly sophisticated suite of engineering and bridge simulators designed to enhance learning and prepare students for operational environments.

Thanks go to Chris Keenan, Dean of the Faculty of Nautical and STEM, and Gus Grubb, Dean of the Faculty of Education and Humanities, for a fascinating tour. It was also a pleasure to meet Dr Paul Little CBE, Principal and CEO of the college and an Honorary Captain in the Royal Naval Reserve.

Glasgow’s Helping Heroes

I was delighted to visit the team at Glasgow’s Helping Heroes to hear an update on their work and get the latest insights into the Armed Forces and veteran community that they support.

It was particularly encouraging to hear about new initiatives in response to emerging needs, while maintaining their continued commitment to supporting individuals facing housing, health and employment challenges.

Scottish Forces in Business Awards

I enjoyed an inspiring evening at the Scottish Forces in Business Awards, where the huge contribution of the Reservist and military community in Scotland was recognised.

Employers from a wide range of sectors recognised the achievements of their military colleagues, with awards spanning Rising Stars through to Lifetime Achievement. It was great to catch up with David Dent MBE, who was on the judging panel.  

I reflected on the evening in my latest blog, highlighting what is possible when members of the veteran community are given the opportunity and support to thrive in the workplace. It also explores the encouraging progress being made in this area, while recognising that further improvement is still needed.

Congratulations again to all nominees and winners.

Cobseo

I had a helpful and productive catch up with Lieutenant General Sir Nick Pope KCB CBE, Chair of Cobseo: The Confederation of Service Charities, and Director of Operations, Kate McCullogh.

Their UK-wide perspective on policy and practice was hugely valuable, and the conversation offered a welcome opportunity to share insights on developments affecting veterans in Scotland.

Future-proofing Armed Forces Research

The SVC Office took part in a workshop exploring the research and data landscape for the armed forces and veteran community, looking particularly at evidence needs in relation to health, wellbeing and occupational outcomes.

It was useful to talk through the progress that has been made, as well as the barriers and challenges that need to be overcome.

This session was part of a programme of work being funded by the National Institute for Health and Care Research, and delivered by the King’s Centre for Military Health Research at King’s College London.

Veterans’ Foundation

I had an invaluable meeting with Jane Gurney, CEO of the Veterans’ Foundation, hearing about its strategic approach to supporting the veteran community, and plans to target and extend funding to ensure the greatest possible impact. The Foundation’s continued commitment to strengthening support for veterans and their families is both impressive and inspiring.

Scottish Government catch-up

A constructive meeting with Graeme Dey MSP, Minister for Veterans and Parliamentary Business, covered a range of priorities, including the importance of maintaining momentum on key Government projects such as the Veterans Mental Health Pathway during and beyond the Scottish election period.

Giving evidence in relation to the Armed Forces Bill

I gave evidence to the Westminster Defence Select Committee alongside the Commissioners from Wales and Northern Ireland as part of scrutiny of the Armed Forces Bill.

The session provided an opportunity to welcome the planned extension of the Armed Forces Covenant, while also discussing the opportunities and challenges this will bring across the UK.

We were clear that effective communication and clear guidance will be essential to success, and that planning needs to start now for effective implementation.

You can read more about the work of the Committee here.

Barclays Military Work Placement Programme

It was a pleasure to meet Service Leavers, veterans and staff at the Barclays UK campus in Glasgow, where the Military Work Placement Programme is underway.

The scheme gives members of the Armed Forces community insight into civilian careers at Barclays and includes practical support such as CV workshops and mock interviews.

It was particularly valuable to hear from veterans already employed at Barclays UK and from Service Leavers considering their next steps.

Lothians Veterans Centre Women’s Networking Event

Lothians Veterans Centre delivered another excellent event for women veterans, offering opportunities for connection, camaraderie and fun. The Female Veterans’ Transformation Programme shared some insights from its latest work, which includes the launch of its Female Veterans Toolkit at the end of last year.

The event also saw the launch of an important new project by Dr Alethea McHardy, Consultant in Sport & Exercise Medicine for the Ministry of Defence.

Her Service Her Health is a national awareness and education initiative designed to inform women before service, during service and after service about the potential long-term impact of military service on their health.

It aims to drive forward positive change in healthcare for the women who have served our country, and will provide accessible, evidence-based information to support informed decision-making, earlier help-seeking and improved engagement with healthcare services for women considering a military career, those currently serving, and female veterans.

You can read more about Her Service Her Health here.

 

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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.
1 week 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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