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May Round-up

Posted on June 5 2025 at 18:41

Extending my term as SVC

I was delighted to announce that my term as Scottish Veterans Commissioner has been extended until September 2026. It’s an honour and a privilege to continue serving Scotland’s veterans and their families and I remain committed to championing your voices, highlighting your skills and experiences, and working to ensure you receive the recognition and support you deserve.

You can read more about the extension of my term here.

Inside Out exhibition

I enjoyed viewing the striking artwork by veterans in HMP Perth at the Inside Out exhibition in Kinross in aid of Fighting with Pride. I met with Perth’s VICSO and representatives from Unforgotten Forces, SSAFA and Bravehound, who are working together to support the veteran community.

Commemorating VE Day 80 years on

Throughout May, I joined a number of commemorations and events marking VE Day 80, including an interfaith service at the Central Gurdwara Singh Sabha in Glasgow, Scotland’s Salute: VE Day 80 – an evening of music and remembrance at the Usher Hall, and a Service of Thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey in the presence of Their Majesties The King and Queen and other members of the Royal Family. The events represented an important opportunity to honour the courage and sacrifice of those who Served and reflect on the resilience of those who endured loss and took on the enormous task of rebuilding in the aftermath.

You can read more of my reflections on the anniversary in my VE Day 80 blog.

Unforgotten Forces update

The SVC Office was represented at an Unforgotten Forces event in Stirling, joined by over 30 veteran organisations. The gathering brought together professionals and leading volunteers who share an interest in the health and wellbeing of members of the ex-Service community in Scotland aged 60 and older, and offered a valuable update on good practice and effective collaborative working.

Marking 110 years since the Gretna Rail Disaster

I attended the opening of the Gretna Rail Disaster exhibition at Out of the Blue Drill Hall - a moving tribute to the men of the Royal Scots, many from Leith, who were killed or injured in the crash 110 years ago. The exhibition featured the stories of local soldiers and their families, with a large selection of moving and compelling artefacts, photographs, documents and newspaper cuttings.

This fascinating film tells the tragic story.

Celebrating the naming of HMS GLASGOW

I was delighted to witness the naming of HMS GLASGOW, the first of the new Type 26 Frigates, by HRH The Princess of Wales in Glasgow - a glorious occasion celebrating the world-class skill of Clydeside shipbuilders, including many talented veterans.

It was a true honour to meet veterans of the previous HMS GLASGOW who served with distinction during the Falklands Conflict and whose legacy lives on in the next generation warship.

Celebrating 140 years of SSAFA

I attended SSAFA’s 140th birthday service at St Mary’s Episcopal Church in Edinburgh - a real celebration featuring the Band of The Royal Regiment of Scotland, incredibly talented Pipes, Drums and Dancers of Queen Victoria School and the wonderful Military Wives Choir.

I also had the chance to catch-up with the brilliant team at Glasgow’s Helping Heroes – a great example of the valuable support that SSAFA delivers to the veteran community in Scotland.

Veterans and Finance

I have also been finalising my forthcoming report on veterans and finance, which covers areas such as employment in the finance sector, financial literacy, welfare and gambling. I look forward to launching it and sharing my findings in June.

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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.
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
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
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.
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
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