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July Round-up

Posted on August 8 2024 at 15:31

Women Veterans Networking Event

At the beginning of the month, I attended a women veterans networking event organised by Lothians Veterans Centre. It was a brilliant opportunity to meet lots of inspiring women who have served, including Army veteran Virginia who featured in my Anything But Uniform report and Pauline Cherrington, CEO of Lothian Veterans Centre. I also caught up with Liza and Hannah, the team behind the Female Veteran Transformation Programme, to get an update on the work they have been doing recently.

The Royal Scots at Tynecastle Park

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton at the Royal Scots Exhibition at Tynecastle Park with Apolosi Vanowale. I had a fascinating morning at The Royal Scots exhibition at Tynecastle Park, home of Heart of Midlothian Football Club. The exhibition highlighted the links between the Royal Scots, Hearts FC and the City of Edinburgh, explaining the contribution of the Royal Scots to our nation's defence through individual stories and showcasing the importance of sport in the Army. Among others I had the honour of meeting Hearts legend John Robertson and Fijian Rugby international and Army veteran Apolosi Vanowale, who served in the Royal Signals for 13 years.

Cobseo 2024 AGM

The SVC office was represented at the Cobseo AGM where some of the team enjoyed an interesting and informative day. We heard how dedicated Cobseo member organisations are exploring collaborative ways of working to improve access and strengthen the support available to our Armed Forces and veteran community.

Protecting the rights of Forces children

Illustration of a young person as part of Forces Children Scotland's children's rights report On 16 July 2024, Scotland incorporated the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) into Scots Law, meaning the human rights of all children in Scotland are now legally protected. In addition, Forces Children Scotland published its latest report aimed at protecting and promoting the rights of Forces children. Exploring how children and young people from armed forces families can have some of their rights impacted due to their parent's service, it makes a series of recommendations to help policy makers and decision takers address these issues. You can read more about the report’s findings and recommendations here: https://forceschildrenscotland.org.uk/projects/its-not-just-their-job-its-our-whole-lives/

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On the anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War, tribute is paid to the Allied forces whose courage, service and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms enjoyed today. It is also a day to remember the enduring impact of war on those who returned with life-changing injuries, visible and unseen; and the families, friends and communities whose lives were forever altered by conflict.

1 day ago

It was a pleasure to meet Angus Council’s Veterans Champion, Cllr Ronnie Proctor, at Balhousie Castle, home of The Black Watch Association and Museum. The excellent museum brings to life the regiment’s proud history and heritage, recognising its distinguished contribution to our nation’s defence and the service and sacrifice of generations of soldiers and their families. I was also delighted to meet members of the Black Watch Association Welfare Committee over lunch. It was invaluable to hear directly about the experiences, concerns, and priorities of veterans within the Black Watch community. Our discussion highlighted the important role that regimental associations continue to play in supporting veterans, maintaining lifelong connections, and strengthening links with families and local communities. @blackwatchmuseum

2 days ago

Today I joined Service Leavers, veterans, family members and support providers at the Defence Garden Scheme's Cultivate and Connect course at the Royal Botanic Garden Edinburgh. It was inspiring to see and hear at first hand how this nature based programme is supporting Service Leavers and veterans, making a positive difference to their recovery, wellbeing and connection with others. @defencegardens @rbgedinburgh

4 days ago

I enjoyed catching up with Martin Nadin, CEO of Scottish Veterans Residences and Chair of the Veterans Scotland Housing Group. It was valuable to hear an update on veterans' homelessness from an expert provider and to discuss both the challenges we continue to face and the action needed to address them. No one who has served their country should find themselves homeless, and there is still much work to do to make that a reality.

1 week ago