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Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton’s term extended to 2027

The Scottish Government has extended Scottish Veterans Commissioner (SVC) Susie Hamilton’s term until the end of June 2027, it has been announced.

A former Lieutenant Commander in the Royal Navy, Hamilton is the first woman to serve in the role. The extension will take her total term to five years.

Hamilton said: “I’m delighted to share that my term as Scottish Veterans Commissioner has been extended until June 2027. It’s an honour and a privilege to continue serving Scotland’s veterans and their families.

“I’m proud of the veteran community’s commitment to collaboration and mutual support, with individuals and organisations alike providing services, support and comradeship to those who need it.

“I remain committed to championing their voices, highlighting their skills and experiences, working to ensure they receive the recognition and support they deserve, and driving change to ensure that no veteran faces disadvantage as a result of their service.

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who continues to engage with my work, and I look forward to the next chapter of progress and partnership.”

Looking ahead to the remainder of her term, the SVC added: “I would like to see greater recognition of the significant contribution that veterans and their families continue to make after Service, as valued citizens who enrich our communities, and less focus on perceptions of vulnerability.”

Hamilton is also clear that, despite progress being made, there is more to be done. The Commissioner released her 2026 Progress Report last week, in which she challenged the Scottish Government to make faster progress towards making Scotland a better place to live for those who have served their country.

Highlighting one of the main areas where improvements can be made, she said: “We need better identification of the veteran community by statutory services, so that they can be connected quickly to the appropriate support if it is needed.”

Veterans Minister Jamie Hepburn said: “The Scottish Veterans Commissioner has made a valuable contribution to improving the lives of veterans and their families, providing independent scrutiny and constructive challenge to help drive progress across a range of policy areas.

“I know Susie remains committed to ensuring that our veterans and their families are given the best support possible, and I share that commitment. I’m pleased to say that, to ensure continuity and support for ongoing work, the current appointment has been extended until June 2027, and I look forward to working with her over the coming months.

“The Scottish Government remains committed to the role of the Commissioner and will begin a full public appointments recruitment process in early 2027 to identify a successor who can build on the progress achieved to date and continue to champion the needs of Scotland’s veterans.”

The first Scottish Veterans Commissioner was appointed by the Scottish Government in 2014 to improve outcomes and opportunities for veterans and their families in Scotland.

Operating independently, the Commissioner’s role is to influence policymakers to address any changes required in devolved public services, ensuring veterans’ needs are met and holding the Scottish Government to account where improvement is needed.