News

November round-up

Scotland’s Housing Network Annual Gathering

It was a privilege to speak at Scotland’s Housing Network Annual Gathering, where I was joined by Kevin McLeod from Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR). Kevin shared a powerful and deeply personal account that resonated strongly with all who attended. His experience underscored the challenges some veterans face when securing stable housing, and highlighted the importance of identifying  veterans and understanding their unique needs and experiences in a housing and homelessness prevention context.

Police Scotland Armistice Event

I was pleased to return to the Police Scotland Armistice event to provide an update on the policy landscape for veterans and to lay a wreath in remembrance. It was hugely encouraging to hear about the revalidation of their Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award and the growing impact of their Veterans Champions across the organisation. Participants offered powerful personal stories and insights, including a moving presentation on the Forcer Protocol for missing veterans, which underscored the vital importance of seeking support when it is needed.

Support for the Military Bereaved Community

This month I published my report on the support available to those within the military bereaved community. Bereavement in the Armed Forces context is uniquely complex - shaped by Service, loss and shared identity - and it is vital that the support landscape reflects this.

As with all my work, the voices of those affected by bereavement were at the heart of my report, and I am hugely grateful to all who took the time to share their deeply personal and difficult experiences with me.

You can read the full report here.

Remembrance

November brought some deeply moving moments of remembrance and reflection. I was honoured to take part in the Remembrance Sunday ceremony in Edinburgh, which was well supported by Scotland’s military, political, civic, veteran and bereaved communities.

We also paused on Remembrance Day, turning our thoughts to all those who gave their lives in Service, as well as to veterans, their families and the bereaved who continue to live with the enduring impact of conflict.

Remembrance & Reconciliation Exhibition

I attended the opening of Remembrance & Reconciliation at Edinburgh Napier University, where I also enjoyed a seminar exploring the history of Edinburgh’s Robin Chapel and the remarkable efforts in Kutenholz, Germany, to honour all who died there during the Second World War, including Robin Tudsbery, in whose memory the chapel was built.

A moving and uplifting performance by the chapel’s choir concluded a special and thoughtful occasion which brought together family members of British servicemen and the Kutenholz community in shared recognition of Service and sacrifice.

Supporting the RAF Benevolent Fund

It was a tremendous honour to speak at the Douneside Military Club dinner in support of the RAF Benevolent Fund. During the evening, the MacRobert Trust announced an exceptionally generous £90,000 donation towards welfare facilities at RAF Lossiemouth – a powerful reminder that remembrance is expressed not only in words, but in meaningful action.

Launch of the Female Veterans’ Toolkit

This month marked the formal launch of the Female Veterans’ Transformation Programme’s Female Veterans Toolkit at the historic Royal Hospital Chelsea. The Toolkit offers practical, evidence-based guidance for those supporting female veterans.

The event provided a welcome opportunity to meet stakeholders and women veterans, and to reconnect with key partners including the Minister for Veterans and People, Louise Sandher-Jones MP, Office for Veterans’ Affairs Director Anisha Worbs, and the Veterans Commissioners for Wales and Northern Ireland.

The Toolkit is available here.

Service Children’s Progression Alliance Impact Centre Launch

I was delighted to speak at the launch of the Service Children’s Progression Alliance Impact Centre—an important step in placing evidence and evaluation at the core of support for Service children. This initiative will enhance understanding of what works, where gaps remain, and how we can deliver stronger outcomes for children and young people shaped by the unique experiences of Service life.

Sector Collaboration with Veterans Scotland and FiMT

A productive meeting with Veterans Scotland and the Forces in Mind Trust provided an opportunity to share insights, discuss upcoming priorities, and reflect on progress across the sector. Effective collaboration like this strengthens our collective understanding and keeps us focused on what matters most: delivering meaningful, evidence-led improvements for the veteran community in Scotland. I am grateful to colleagues across the sector for their continued commitment and partnership.