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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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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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