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June Round-up
Armed Forces Week
Armed Forces Week provided a welcome opportunity to come together in appreciation of the UK’s regular and reserve forces, veterans and their families.
The week began with Aberdeenshire Council’s flag raising ceremony, where I joined veterans, cadets, serving personnel, councillors, and council staff to mark the occasion.
Later in the week, I met residents and staff at Scottish Veterans Residences’ Bellrock Close Armed Forces Week barbecue. This was followed by visiting a special event at the Barclays campus in Glasgow where I met veterans, reservists and support organisations and learned about Barclays’ initiatives to recruit and retain military talent – something explored in my Veterans and Finance report.
On Armed Forces Day itself, I enjoyed the vibrant atmosphere in Edinburgh, joining the parade alongside the Association of Wrens and the Royal Naval Association. It was also a pleasure to meet organisations supporting the military community, including the Forces Employment Charity and the Commonwealth War Graves Commission.
To round off the celebrations, I attended the BRAVEHOUND Armed Forces Day Dog Show – a real showcase of the special bond between people and their canine companions. It was lovely to meet so many of them, and I was delighted my labrador Minto was awarded a place in the puppy class!
Veterans and Finance
In June, I was pleased to publish Veterans and Finance, my latest report examining the financial wellbeing of veterans in Scotland. While many veterans navigate the transition to civilian life successfully, some encounter significant financial challenges along the way. The report highlights these issues, shares examples of effective support, and offers practical recommendations for government and service providers. It also recognises the valuable role veterans play within Scotland’s financial services sector.
Veterans Housing Scotland
This month, I also attended the Veterans Housing Scotland Civic Event in Glasgow. It was a great opportunity to reconnect with colleagues and representatives from a wide range of organisations working together to support veterans, including Veterans Scotland and Vector24.
International Commando Heritage Trust
I was honoured to be present for the launch of the International Commando Heritage Trust at Spean Bridge and the Achnacarry Estate. Following a moving service, we learned more about the heritage of Commando training in Scotland and heard about the Trust’s plans to preserve and share this important legacy.
Learn more about the Trust here.
Veterans’ Mental Health
The SVC Office contributed to a valuable workshop hosted by Forces in Mind Trust and Combat Stress, exploring the future of veterans’ mental health services. The session offered important insights into how the sector can continue to evolve to meet veterans’ needs, and it was held in an inspiring setting overlooking HMS Belfast.
Pride in the Veteran Community
As Pride Month came to a close, it was important to reflect on the work still required to ensure all veterans feel valued, included and supported. LGBT+ veterans affected by the historic ban can now apply for financial redress, and are encouraged to seek support with the application process – available from Fighting With Pride and the Royal British Legion.
You can read my latest blog on the restorative measures and the support available here.
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