Search

New Scottish Government, same message from me: progress needs to speed up. Today I've published my 2026 Progress Report, checking on how well the Scottish Government is delivering for veterans and their families. Some encouraging steps forward on housing and gambling harm support - but a slowdown overall, and continued concerns on veteran employment, healthcare access and mental health support. More progress at a faster pace is going to be required to make Scotland the destination of choice for Service leavers, veterans and their families. Full news release can be found in the bio. Veterans | Scottish Veterans | Armed Forces | Veterans Commissioner | Support Our Veterans

Great to catch up with Peter Gibson, CEO of @fightingwithpride to hear about the charity's plans to further support the LGBT veteran community in Scotland. Reminder: the Financial Recognition Scheme for LGBT veterans affected by the historical ban closes on 12 December. Find out more via the link in our bio. Veterans | LGBT Veterans | Veterans Commissioner

I spent the day at the RAND Europe Stakeholder Workshop on Future Views of Mental Health. Funders, service providers and stakeholders in one room, thinking through what mental health need and provision could look like over the next 20 years. Really valuable conversations - grateful to have been part of it. Mental Health | RANDEurope | Future Of Healthcare | Armed Forces | Veterans

I attended a fascinating event this week. We heard about Forces in Mind Trust's new 'FiMT Challenges' initiative - a fresh approach to accelerating positive change for the Armed Forces Community. It was also a pleasure to meet Matt Bazeley OBE, new CEO of Forces Employment Charity, and hear his vision for supporting veterans as they transition into and progress through civilian employment. Some really insightful and encouraging conversations about collaboration and innovation across the sector. Veterans | Armed Forces Community | Veterans Commissioner | Scotland