Scottish Veterans Commissioner

12/06/2026

I attended Veterans Housing Scotland's event in Glasgow yesterday where I heard about plans to provide more housing for disabled veterans. I was pleased to meet Bailie Paul McCabe and Glasgow's Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Abdul Bostani. A strength of VHS is that it works with many partners and it was a pleasure to catch up with Jamie from RCA Trust.

09/06/2026

🏳️‍🌈 Were you impacted by the Armed Forces ban on LGBT+ personnel? Applications for restorative measures and financial recognition close on 12 December 2026. No applications will be accepted after this date.

You can get support with your application from Fighting with Pride and the Royal British Legion.

Find out more about applying ➡️ https://gov.uk/government/collections/lgbt-veterans-support-and-next-steps

05/06/2026

Huge thanks to Veterans Scotland for organising an extremely impactful Armed Forces Champions gathering yesterday. There was an impressive range of speakers, including Scotland's new Veterans Minister. The day demonstrated the power of collaboration, the real world consequences of policy decisions and the importance of listening directly to the Serving and veteran community.

03/06/2026

Last night, I had the pleasure of attending Officers' Association Scotland's employers reception in Edinburgh — a fantastic gathering of businesses and support organisations who recognise the immense value that Service Leavers and veterans bring to the workforce.

A particular highlight was meeting Heather and Alix from Forces Wives Challenge CIC, a brilliant social enterprise dedicated to improving the wellbeing of women whose partners are veterans or currently Serving. OAS has supported some of their exciting work here in Scotland, and it's easy to see why — their impact is real and meaningful.

Events like this remind me why building strong employer networks matters so much for our veteran community.

01/06/2026

A range of events, activity and announcements in May, including a moving service to mark 15 years since the withdrawal of British Armed Forces from Iraq, the appointment of the new Minister for Veterans in Scotland, and a meeting with the UK Armed Forces Commissioner.

Read more in my May round-up:
https://www.scottishveteranscommissioner.org/news/news/may-round-up3/

28/05/2026

It was a pleasure to attend the Royal Navy and Royal Marines Charity recognition evening at the Merchant's House of Glasgow yesterday. It was a real celebration of supporters of the Naval community in Scotland. Serving Personnel, cadets, volunteers and members of partner organisations were honoured including the Rosyth and Edinburgh Military Wives Choir and Vicky Brindley of the Naval Families Federation based in Helensburgh. I was delighted to catch up with CEO of RNRMC, Samantha Nicolson MBE and Lt Cdr Gary Nicolson MBE RN. Well done to all who were recognised for their outstanding contributions.

24/05/2026

A sombre and emotional service at the National Memorial Arboretum to mark 15 years since the withdrawal of British forces from Iraq. It was an opportunity to offer deepest gratitude to all who served in Operation TELIC, and the families who supported them.

It was a particular honour to meet Audrey and Laura, the Chairs of the Army and RAF Widows Associations. I was delighted to catch up with the Veterans Commissioners of Wales and Northern Ireland and the Chair of Poppyscotland. A former RNEC classmate Cdr Michael Shaw RN shared his story in one of the powerful films shown, and it was great to see him.

Also a huge honour to meet Pegasus, mascot of the Parachute Regiment who was turned out very smartly, as always.

15/05/2026

I was delighted to meet some of the Association of Royal Yachtsmen on board HMY BRITANNIA during their annual maintenance week. As well as carrying out some maintenance jobs it is a great opportunity for those who formerly served in the Royal Yacht to share experiences and camaraderie.

14/05/2026

The funding round has now opened for the next phase of grant awards for the VALOUR Recognised Centres (VRCs) Development Fund.

Grants of up to £1m are now available for organisations to join the new network of VALOUR recognised centres.

Funding is available for organisations ready to deliver in-person support for veterans in health, housing, employment, wellbeing and more.

Apply now at: https://covenantfund.org.uk/programme/valour-recognised-centres-development-fund/

14/05/2026

Following my recent participation in the 80th Anniversary of the Edinburgh Branch of the Association of Wrens, my latest blog reflects on the value of connection, comradeship and common experience in the veteran community.

You can read more at: https://www.scottishveteranscommissioner.org/news/news/connected-for-life-the-power-and-benefits-of-shared-experience/