News

June round-up

Report Publication – Veterans and Employment

I was pleased to publish my latest review report in June. I had felt it was timely to return to the important area of employment, building on the work of my predecessors who had both undertaken detailed work on employability, skills and learning. They had each made a number of recommendations that had been accepted by the Scottish Government and which are assessed in my annual progress reports.

To inform this review I spoke with a range of stakeholders and partners, as well as reviewing policy, programmes and practice and examining relevant research and data. I am very grateful to everyone who provided input to inform the final report.

What has been very clear is that Service leavers, veterans and their families make a significant and positive contribution to Scotland’s economy and society. The skills, experience and values developed through military service translate into a highly capable and resilient workforce. Many Service leavers and veterans go on to secure successful second careers, but it is important to recognise that not all transitions are straightforward. Ensuring that support is available, responsive and effective must remain a central priority for those who are injured or ill, have other support needs, and for bereaved families.

I believe that positive progress has been made, within an employment landscape that continues to evolve. The reflections and conclusions in my report set out the areas where more can be done. While Scotland has built a strong foundation, significant work remains to ensure that the full value of veteran skills is realised through sustainable, high-quality civilian careers. Maintaining progress will depend on translating positive intent into consistent practice, strengthening system leadership and data, and ensuring that all parts of the veteran community are able to benefit from the opportunities available.

You can read the report at: Veterans and Employment | Scottish Veterans Commissioner

Officers’ Association Scotland Reception

At the start of the month, I had the pleasure of attending the Officers’ Association Scotland (OAS) employers’ reception in Edinburgh. This was a superb gathering of businesses and support organisations who recognise the immense value that Service leavers and veterans bring to the workforce. I was pleased to include reference to OAS’s excellent work in my Veterans and Employment report.

Events like this remind me why building strong employer networks matters so much for our veteran community.

Veterans Scotland Champions Gathering

The University of Stirling provided a splendid setting for a highly successful Armed Forces Champions gathering, organised by Veterans Scotland. The event featured an impressive line-up of speakers, and it was particularly valuable to hear from Jamie Hepburn MSP, Scotland’s new Minister for Veterans. In his first speaking engagement in this role, he reaffirmed the Scottish Government’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant and expressed his thanks and congratulations to the many organisations working collaboratively to support the Armed Forces community.

The programme gave delegates the opportunity to consider policy, data and research, while also considering the real-world impact of policy decisions and the importance of listening directly to the Serving and veteran community. Above all, the day demonstrated the power of collaboration. A big thanks to Veterans Scotland for putting together a well organised and impactful event.

Veterans Housing Scotland Civic Reception

I was pleased to attend Veterans Housing Scotland’s event in Glasgow and to learn more about their plans to expand their housing provision for disabled veterans. One of VHS’s key strengths lies in its collaborative approach, and it was reassuring to witness the depth of commitment and shared purpose among the many partners in attendance. It was particularly encouraging to hear representatives from Glasgow City Council reiterating their support for the Armed Forces and veteran community in their city.

Pride Month

Pride Month provided an opportunity to recognise the achievements of LGBTQ+ people and to celebrate the diversity of the veteran community. While it is a time of visibility and progress, it also highlights the legacy of exclusion and the continued need to ensure all veterans feel recognised, supported and valued.

Until January 2000, LGBTQ+ personnel were prohibited from serving openly in the UK Armed Forces, resulting in the dismissal or forced departure of thousands of individuals. Applications for restorative measures and financial recognition for those affected will close on 12 December 2026. Support with applications is available through Fighting with Pride and the Royal British Legion, with further details provided at: LGBT veterans: support and next steps - GOV.UK

Veterans Scotland AGM

It was a real pleasure to join the Veterans Scotland AGM, led by Chair Emma Watson Mack. The event highlighted the strength of Scotland’s dynamic third sector, which continues to make a meaningful difference to the lives of those who serve or have served. During the meeting, I provided an update on my work, alongside a contribution from the Scottish Government’s Veterans Unit, ensuring a shared understanding of current priorities. At a time of challenge and change, there was a clear and collective commitment to partnership, with organisations working closely together to sustain impact and provide consistent support to the Armed Forces and veteran community.

Ministerial Meetings

I had a constructive introductory meeting at the Scottish Parliament with Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans. We reflected on progress made in recent years and the challenges ahead. Key priorities discussed included the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway, Op Banner veterans, the Veterans Homelessness Prevention Pathway, and extending the Armed Forces Covenant.

I also joined the Veterans Commissioners for Northern Ireland and Wales in meeting with the newly appointed UK Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey MP. We talked about the important role of the Veterans Welfare Service, the passage of the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill at Westminster, the extension of the Armed Forces Covenant and the development of VALOUR.

I look forward to working together with them both in support of the veteran community.

Armed Forces Covenant Conference 2026

Portsmouth Guildhall provided the setting for the annual Armed Forces Covenant conference. The event was at capacity, reflecting the interest and enthusiasm of a range of organisations and partners committed to delivering the covenant responsibilities. There were a range of speakers covering policy and practice and representing the statutory and third sectors. These included the UK Minister for Veterans and People Calvin Bailey MP, Armed Forces Commissioner Polly Miller Perkins CBE, Forces in Mind Trust, the Ministry of Defence Valour team, and Northern Ireland Veterans Commissioner David Johnstone.

The focus was on the upcoming extension of the covenant into new policy areas and the opportunities and challenges this presents. It was also useful to share experience and insights and to learn from a diverse group of delegates. The Armed Forces Covenant website is a helpful source of advice and guidance.

Armed Forces Day

Armed Forces Week has been a busy period of recognition and celebration across the Armed Forces and Veteran community. Events took place right across Scotland involving veterans and families as well as members of the public who showed their support.

Forces Children Scotland marked the 5th anniversary of their rebrand with a joyful celebration of five recent projects delivered with and for children and young people from forces and veteran families. I was delighted to present medals to some of the young people who co-produced the Forces Children’s Rights Charter, recognising their nominations for the Celebrating Forces Families Awards - a well-deserved tribute to their dedication and impact.

Edinburgh Napier University’s Craiglockhart Campus hosted the Armed Forces Community Big Day Out. The event was officially opened by the Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Cllr Robert Aldridge, and attended by the UK Armed Forces Minister, Louise Sandher-Jones MP.

I was proud to join the Lord Lieutenant of East Lothian and Provost of East Lothian, along with councillors, veterans and cadets at the Armed Forces Week flag raising in Haddington. I also took part in the Police Scotland Armed Forces Day event, giving an update on my work and on developments in the veteran landscape.

The month concluded with the Armed Forces Day celebration in Edinburgh. I took part in the parade along George Street, alongside veterans representing a wide range of ex-Service associations, accompanied by military bands of the highest calibre. Following a welcome address from the Depute Provost of Edinburgh, veterans, cadets, families and members of the public gathered in St Andrew Square to enjoy a programme of entertainment, marked by a strong sense of comradeship and shared recognition of service.