Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR)

26/08/2026

Some more pictures from the Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) group trip to Rothiemurchus Lodge, including Activities Officer James showing his appreciation to Chef Mike, who was on hand to feed the troops during the week.

The residential break was a big success and Veterans from across the 3 SVR sites enjoyed getting away and trying new things, including walking, swimming, go-karting, mountain biking, paddleboarding, zip-sliding and a high ropes course. Well done to all who participated; Darren for organising; and our thanks to all the venues in the Aviemore area who hosted us.

25/08/2026

It was our pleasure to attend the YPI Scotland event at Brechin High School. Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) were one of 22 charities and organisations represented, and the S3 students showed a great deal of enthusiasm and interest in our work. Good luck to all the teams and thanks for having us along.

20/08/2026

Can we have some applause and respect for this Herculean fundraising effort on foot and by kayak to support Veterans at SVR's Glasgow residence Bellrock Close.

Alastair Blair, accompanied by Derek Spiers, walked 52 miles along the canal from Edinburgh to Kirkintilloch; while Kev McLeod had an 'incident-packed' 39 mile journey in a kayak, supported by Jos Wallace. Alastair is fit as a fiddle at 77 and hails from a proud military family. He barely broke sweat in this latest of a long line of fundraising challenges he has completed for good causes.

The quartet finished their challenge at Kirkintilloch RSC, and were joined by Colin Leslie and Suzanne Duffy from SVR, along with some of the grateful residents from Bellrock, who passed on their thanks and appreciation.

Thank you so much to all who have donated. The online giving page has raised more than £4,000 already (including Gift Aid) and there are many offline donations still to add up. Their page is still open at: https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/bellrocksummer26

We will share the final total in the coming weeks, and look forward to welcoming our fundraisers into Bellrock for the final presentation. Well done and many thanks to you all.

19/08/2026

A group of Veterans from across SVR have arrived at Rothiemurchus in the beautiful Cairngorms for a trip full of friendship, action and activities. First stops included a competitive day of go-karting in Aviemore and a trip up the Funicular Railway.

18/08/2026

All three Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) sites were represented on a glorious day of sunshine and surf at the amazing Lost Shore Surf Resort at Ratho, just west of Edinburgh. It was a fantastic venue with excellent instruction and everyone was buzzing with excitement from the experience.

Thank you for having us along, we'll be back! 🏄‍♂️🏄‍♀️

15/08/2026

Today we join the nation in observing VJ Day, and pay our respects to the Allied Forces who secured the freedom we enjoy today. It was on 15 August 1945 that Imperial Japan surrendered and effectively brought World War II to an end.

Following Victory in Europe Day on 8 May, 1945, thousands of British and Commonwealth military personnel continued to fight Japanese forces in Asia and the Pacific for a further three months until VJ Day. Alongside Allied Armed Forces, hundreds of thousands of people also served in the Far East from countries including pre-partition India, Australia, New Zealand, Canada, Nepal and from African nations.

We will remember them and be forever grateful for their service and sacrifice.

13/08/2026

Big respect to one of our Edinburgh residents, Army Veteran John Pagan, for the charity work he has been carrying out for many years in Ukraine. John was welcomed this week to the Consulate of Ukraine in Edinburgh Консульство України в Единбурзі, and received warm praise from the Consul Andrii Madzianovski.

Read more about John's inspiring story on the Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) website:
https://www.svronline.org/news/news/john-pagan-ukraine/

Balu Charity

SVR resident shares his inspiring story during Consulate visit

11/08/2026

The North Sea looked almost Mediterranean-like when a group of Veterans from our Dundee residence Rosendael sailed out of Arbroath for a really enjoyable day of sea fishing. Plenty of fish were caught, the guys got up close with some seals, and the sun shone all day - glorious! 🛥🐟🌞