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September round-up

Posted on October 11 2025 at 13:38

Progress Report 2025

I launched my 2025 assessment of Scottish Government progress on implementing SVC recommendations. For the first time, no recommendations are rated red. While this is encouraging, I remain focused on ensuring that activity translates into meaningful outcomes for the veteran community in Scotland.

Read more: Scottish Veterans Commissioner Progress Report 2025

Meeting with Veterans Minister Graeme Dey

I held a constructive meeting with Veterans Minister Graeme Dey MSP. We discussed key concerns highlighted in my progress report, alongside encouraging examples of improvements in policy and practice that are already making a difference for Scotland’s veteran community.

Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance (SVWA) Stakeholder Event

The SVC office was represented at a Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance (SVWA) Stakeholder Event at Napier University on 11 September. The event brought together many of the organisations working hard to support the veteran community in Scotland and included the launch of the New Frontiers podcast, which shares stories from veterans, their families and those who support them.

You can read more about the work of the Alliance and listen to the podcast at Online Wellbeing Hub for Veterans and Families | SVWA | Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance.

Vector 24

It was a pleasure to join staff, trustees and volunteers for the launch of the charity Vector24 (formerly Fares4Free). Alongside representatives from Veterans Scotland and other organisations, I heard about the charity’s new brand and operating model.

Learn more: Vector24

Veterans In Custody Support Officers (VICSOs) National Meeting

The Head of the SVC Office attended the VICSO national meeting on 23 September, hosted at the Scottish Prison Service College in Falkirk. She provided an update on our recent work, including the 2025 Progress Report and the report on Veterans and Finance.

The meeting was a valuable opportunity to hear from the VICSOs and partners committed to improving outcomes for veterans in custody, linking closely with the themes of the Veterans and the Law report.

Gambling Harms Summit

SVC was represented at the Gambling Harms Summit in Glasgow City Chambers. This inspiring event featured expert speakers and moving contributions from people with lived experience of gambling harms. It was an informative and thought-provoking day, offering important insights into how we can better support those affected.

Veterans Scotland AGM

I was delighted to attend the Veterans Scotland AGM, which offered a valuable opportunity to hear about the progress made by Veterans Scotland staff and membership organisations. I was pleased to provide an update on my recent work and was struck by the strong sense of collaboration, coordination and cooperation across members, public sector bodies and other organisations.

 

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The projects set to benefit from a share of the £600,000 Scottish Veterans Fund 2026-27 have been announced by Veterans Minister Graeme Dey. The successful initiatives span the length and breadth of Scotland, 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 my predecessors and me. I look forward to hearing more about the impact of these projects in the coming year. Read more about the successful projects in my bio - Other links 🔗
The projects set to benefit from a share of the £600,000 Scottish Veterans Fund 2026-27 have been announced by Veterans Minister Graeme Dey. The successful initiatives span the length and breadth of Scotland, 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 my predecessors and me. I look forward to hearing more about the impact of these projects in the coming year. Read more about the successful projects in my bio - Other links 🔗
1 week ago
Pleased to see @thedmws launch its Support for the Military Bereaved Programme, bringing together partners to support families who have lost a loved one in service or due to service-related reasons. Highlighted in my report on Support for the Bereaved Community, the programme is funded by the @armedforcescovfundtrust and aims to deliver transformational change in how bereaved military families are supported. Learn more at link in my bio - Other links 🔗
Pleased to see @thedmws launch its Support for the Military Bereaved Programme, bringing together partners to support families who have lost a loved one in service or due to service-related reasons. Highlighted in my report on Support for the Bereaved Community, the programme is funded by the @armedforcescovfundtrust and aims to deliver transformational change in how bereaved military families are supported. Learn more at link in my bio - Other links 🔗
1 week ago
Congratulations to @lothiansvets for delivering another excellent event for women veterans on Saturday. Alongside comradeship and fun, the event included a useful update from the Female Veterans' Transformation Programme. It was also great to hear Dr Alethea McHardy launching her research project around the health of Service women and women veterans - @herserviceherhealth. Give this valuable project a follow and find out more at the link in my bio - Other links 🔗
Congratulations to @lothiansvets for delivering another excellent event for women veterans on Saturday. Alongside comradeship and fun, the event included a useful update from the Female Veterans' Transformation Programme. It was also great to hear Dr Alethea McHardy launching her research project around the health of Service women and women veterans - @herserviceherhealth. Give this valuable project a follow and find out more at the link in my bio - Other links 🔗
1 week ago
It was a pleasure to meet Service Leavers, veterans and staff at the @barclaysuk campus in Glasgow, where the Military Work Placement Programme is underway. This gives military people an insight into working at Barclays, and provides valuable sessions such as mock interviews and a CV workshop. It was really useful to hear from veterans already employed at Barclays UK and to hear the views of Service Leavers. I was delighted to meet RAF veteran Shona again, who was connected to the Barclays scheme by Officers Association Scotland.
It was a pleasure to meet Service Leavers, veterans and staff at the @barclaysuk campus in Glasgow, where the Military Work Placement Programme is underway. This gives military people an insight into working at Barclays, and provides valuable sessions such as mock interviews and a CV workshop. It was really useful to hear from veterans already employed at Barclays UK and to hear the views of Service Leavers. I was delighted to meet RAF veteran Shona again, who was connected to the Barclays scheme by Officers Association Scotland.
1 week ago
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