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March round-up

Posted on March 30 2026 at 17:12

Successful Scottish Veterans Fund projects announced

The projects set to benefit from a share of the £600,000 Scottish Veterans Fund 2026-27 were announced, with the successful initiatives spanning the length and breadth of Scotland, and covering areas such as housing, health and wellbeing, finance, and justice.

Having chaired the assessment panel, it was greatly encouraging to see such a strong field of high-quality applications, and I was particularly pleased to note proposals that align closely with recommendations made by me and my predecessors.

I look forward to hearing more about the impact of these projects in the coming year.

Read more about the successful projects here: Help for Veterans and Families | Scottish Government

International Women’s Day

I attended an International Women’s Day reception hosted by Kirsty McNeill MP, where I was fortunate to meet a number of really impressive women from all sorts of fields including Sonia and Sofia from Blackburn United Community Sports Club.

The key speaker was Dr Liz Cameron CBE, CEO of Scottish Chambers of Commerce who inspired us all with her insights.

NHS Armed Forces Talent Programme

The SVC Office was represented at an NHS Scotland Armed Forces Talent Programme (AFTP) Engagement Event which brought together organisations supporting the armed forces community in transitioning into civilian employment. 

There was also an opportunity to hear from people who had been supported by the programme to find placements with NHS Scotland leading to successful second careers, and a lively Q and A.

As one of Scotland’s largest employers – with a presence in every community and with a range of roles from clinical care to community support services – this NHS Scotland programme has the potential to benefit veterans, service leavers, their families and our wider community. Thanks go to Ed Challis and the team for an interesting and thought-provoking day.

You can learn more about the programme here: Armed Forces Talent Programme | NHS Scotland Careers

SSAFA Scotland Volunteer Conference

I enjoyed an inspiring morning hearing about services such as mentoring and support in specialist areas such as bereavement, the justice system, and the Ghurka community.

There was also an impressive (and sold out) exhibition of artworks created by veterans in the Scottish prison estate.

Thanks to Sir Simon Bollom KBE CB FREng, National Chair, and Walter Gallacher, Regional Chair for Scotland, for their warm welcome.

Camouflaged in the education system

The Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland launched a new report exploring the experiences of children from Forces families in the education system.

Commissioned by Forces Children Scotland, the report recognised the positive work being done in this area, but found that support was inconsistent overall, with systemic change needed.

These children face challenges and carry worries that most of their classmates never have to think about, and we owe it to them and their families to ensure they are not disadvantaged as a result of their family member’s Service. This report is a hugely welcome step in ensuring they are recognised, supported and able to thrive.

Read more here: Camouflaged in the education system: The experiences of children and young people from Armed Forces families | Forces Children Scotland

A collaborative approach to delivering VALOUR in Scotland

I attended a consultation event in Edinburgh on the delivery of VALOUR in Scotland. VALOUR is a new national programme led by the UK Government to make it easier for veterans to access the care and support they deserve.

With representatives from Local Authorities, Health Boards, the Scottish Government and the charity sector sharing their expertise, it was encouraging to see the collective dedication to implementing the initiative effectively, with a collaborative approach at the heart of its success.

It was also announced that VALOUR Development Funding has been awarded to SSAFA The Armed Forces Charity to establish the first Valour recognised centre in Glasgow, with outreach in the West of Scotland. There will be a further opportunity in the Spring for organisations to become part of the VALOUR network, via a second round of funding.

Read more about VALOUR here: VALOUR: information and next steps | GOV.UK

Reflecting on Debt Awareness Week

March brought Debt Awareness Week 2026, an opportunity to highlight the challenges many face with managing finances and recognise available support.

My latest blog revisited some of the insights from my Veterans and Finance report and shone a light on some of the positive work being done in the money advice sector, including specialist support for veterans affected by money worries, debt, or gambling.

You can read it here: Reflections from Debt Awareness Week | SVC

Veterans Mental Health & Wellbeing Pathway progress

The publication of the National Framework for the Veterans Mental Health & Wellbeing Pathway was a very welcome way to end the month.

Having consistently advocated for the development and delivery of equitable and effective mental health and wellbeing services for veterans across Scotland, this represents a significant milestone.

My annual assessment reports have stressed the importance I place on this, as an issue that is frequently raised with me during engagement with veterans and those that support them.

I hope and expect that the phased implementation of the pathway will continue to be a priority in the months ahead. A key principle of the next phase must be ensuring that no veteran in need is left without access to support.

You can find the framework at: Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway National Framework | Scottish Government

An update on Scotland’s VICSOs

I joined a very positive and productive meeting of Veterans In Custody Support Officers (VICSOs) from across the Scottish prison estate. It was great to see so many support organisations, including SACRO, SSAFA, Help for Heroes, Vector 24, Nova Scotland and MOD Veterans Services there, all working together to support veterans in the justice system and their families.

The meeting was also a powerful reminder that giving VICSOs the protected time they need to carry out their roles – as recommended in my 2024 report, Veterans and the Law - is key to sustaining and strengthening that support, and ultimately improving outcomes for those veterans.

Companion Rail Travel

March saw the announcement that free companion rail travel for blind and partially sighted people in Scotland will become permanent, following the positive evaluation of a year-long pilot. As something I had received representations on from members of veteran community in Scotland, this is a really positive development. Congratulations to Sight Scotland Veterans and Sight Scotland who led the way on campaigning for the scheme. 

Find out more at: Free rail travel for companions of visually impaired people is here to stay: A campaign victory built on lived experience | Sight Scotland

Scottish Veterans Awards

It was an honour to be part of the judging panel for the 2026 Scottish Veterans Awards. We gathered at Edinburgh Castle to consider a range of excellent nominations across a number of categories, and it was inspiring to hear about the fantastic work going on across Scotland in support of our veteran community.

The awards dinner will take place on 29 April at Prestonfield House Hotel and I’m really looking forward to meeting the finalists and celebrating their achievements. 

 

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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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