News

October round-up

Cycling Without Age Scotland 

I joined Veterans Minister Graeme Dey for the launch of Cycling Without Age Scotland’s (CWAG) new branch at Scottish Veterans Residences’ Whitefoord House. CWAG provides opportunities for people with limited mobility or those facing isolation to get outdoors and enjoy social interaction and camaraderie. It was a pleasure to spend some time speaking with residents, SVR staff, and the dedicated CWAG volunteers.

 

Larkhall & District Volunteer Group

I also had the pleasure of visiting the Larkhall & District Volunteer Group Veterans Lunch Club. The group meets fortnightly to share a meal cooked by Mr T of Heart Of Africa UK – a brilliant example of a local service combating loneliness and fostering friendships. A number of the veterans are also involved with a local veterans’ garden. It was encouraging to see organisations such as SSAFA and Citizens Advice Scotland there to provide guidance and support. My thanks to everyone for the warm welcome.

Cross-Party Support for Veterans

I attended a very useful and informative meeting of the Cross Party Group on Supporting Veterans and Armed Forces Families at the Scottish Parliament. The Forces Pension Society provided an update, and Jamie Higgins from the RCA Trust shared valuable insights on gambling-related harms among veterans. I was pleased to share updates from my recent work, and there were meaningful discussions on several key areas of support and policy.

Supporting LGBT+ Veterans

I met with Fighting With Pride CEO Peter Gibson, following on from a helpful conversation with Kate Miller, their Community Worker in Scotland. Both discussions highlighted the ongoing impact of the ban on LGBT personnel in the Armed Forces between 1967 and 2000, and the experiences of those applying to the Financial Recognition Scheme.

The scheme remains open until 12 December 2026, and it’s vital that all who may be eligible are aware of it and know that support is available to help them apply.

Guidance on how to apply is available here.

Supporting Bereaved Armed Forces Families

I was grateful to meet with Margaret and Ryan from SSAFA to discuss the charity’s dedicated support for bereaved families. As always, the empathy, warmth and compassion of the SSAFA team shone through.

Scottish Veterans’ Residences Memorial

The SVC Office was represented at a moving and poignant re-dedication ceremony for the newly restored Scottish Veterans’ Residences memorial at the Eastern Cemetery in Edinburgh. The memorial carries the names of more than 220 veterans who lived at Whitefoord House from 1911 onwards.

Firm Base Conference

The Firm Base conference, organised by 51 Brigade, provided a valuable opportunity to share learning and strengthen collaboration across the Serving community, veterans, and families. It was encouraging to hear the breadth of policy and practice underway, while opening up constructive discussion on what more can be done to ensure that no individual is disadvantaged because of their service.

Scottish Veterans Fund

I am pleased that the Scottish Veterans Fund has opened for applications. I look forward to chairing the panel and to seeing applications from the many outstanding organisations supporting veterans across Scotland.

Information on funding streams and how to apply is available here.

Applications are open until 5 December.

Remembrance

The end of October marked the start of the Remembrance period, with a number of moving engagements.

Both the Edinburgh Garden of Remembrance at Princes Street Gardens and the Glasgow Garden of Remembrance at Kelvingrove opened with moving ceremonies, bringing together serving personnel, veterans, families, civic leaders, and the wider community. These services were a poignant reminder of the sacrifices made by those who served – and of the loved ones they left behind – in the cause of our freedom.

I also attended the launch of the Scottish Poppy Appeal at Holyrood – a meaningful evening marking the beginning of the vital annual fundraising period that helps provide life-changing support for the veteran community across Scotland.  

Sight Scotland Veterans

A visit to Sight Scotland Veterans’ Linburn Centre was a powerful reminder of the importance of tailored, community-led support. It was clear how much the centre means to the veterans who use it - offering a wide range of activities, specialist support, and, above all, friendship and companionship. The Centre’s work plays a vital role in helping visually impaired veterans lead active, independent, and fulfilling lives, and it was inspiring to see that positive impact at first-hand.

LGBT+ Veterans Memorial

It was a huge honour to attend the service marking the dedication of the new LGBT+ Veterans Memorial at the National Memorial Arboretum, held in the presence of His Majesty The King.

The expressive memorial honours those who served with courage and pride, including LGBT+ veterans who endured harmful treatment under the ban on homosexuality in the Armed Forces which remained in place until the year 2000.

I was delighted to meet LGBT veterans Janice and Kent who had both travelled from Scotland for the event. The memorial stands as a powerful symbol of Remembrance, recognition and progress, ensuring that every veteran’s service is valued and respected.

Scottish Funding Council (SFC) Armed Forces Veterans & Community Group

The Head of the SVC Office attended the SFC Armed Forces Veterans & Community Group Strategy Day on 30 October, a very useful meeting with participation by a range of stakeholders. Building on work to deliver previous recommendations from the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, the group had a productive day considering future priorities and objectives. The sessions included discussion on a range of areas, including the implications of the Strategic Defence Review, widening access and participation, and strengthening collaboration and partnerships.

Unforgotten Forces Autumn Gathering

The Unforgotten Forces Autumn Gathering brought together organisations working to deliver high-quality, joined-up support that boosts the health and wellbeing of older veterans across Scotland. It was encouraging to witness the shared learning, collaborative working, and strong commitment of all present to improving support where it is most needed. I particularly appreciated the engagement and feedback from delegates on my recent work.