Veterans Scotland

24/06/2026

🤝 Our Team Is Joining the National Conversation on Strengthening Support for the Armed Forces Community.

Today, on Reservists Day during Armed Forces Week, our team is proud to be in Portsmouth for the National Armed Forces Covenant Conference, joining colleagues and partners from across the UK who are committed to improving support for serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families.

Despite the heat, the passion in the room has been undeniable.

It has been inspiring to see so many individuals and organisations united by a shared goal: ensuring the Armed Forces Covenant delivers meaningful outcomes for those who serve our nation.

This commitment was particularly evident during discussions with the Minister for Veterans and People, Calvin Bailey. Delegates raised important and thought-provoking questions around accountability for organisations delivering the Covenant, whether in the public or private sector, the recourse available when commitments are not being met, and the resources needed to strengthen Covenant delivery across the UK.

On Reservists Day, it is especially fitting that these conversations are taking place. Reservists play a vital role in our Armed Forces, balancing military service alongside civilian careers and bringing exceptional skills, experience and dedication to both.

As Armed Forces Week continues, we are proud to be part of the national conversation that is helping to shape a stronger future for the Armed Forces community and ensuring that support is not just promised, but delivered.

23/06/2026

Armed Forces Day 2026

A fantastic day planned in Edinburgh to honour and thank those who serve and have served in our Armed Forces.

From parades and live music to charity stalls and community support, Armed Forces Day is a chance for us all to come together and show our appreciation.

📍 Will your organisation, charity, veterans group, cadet unit, community group or local venue be hosting an Armed Forces Day event?

👇 Share your events, activities and celebrations in the comments below so we can help spread the word and support each other across Scotland.

Let’s showcase everything that’s happening and make this year’s Armed Forces Day one to remember.

22/06/2026

🤝 At the heart of effective support is understanding lived experience.

During a dedicated panel session at our Veterans Scotland Armed Forces Champions Gathering 2026, delegates heard directly from Veterans Scotland member organisations, Community Veterans Support, Help For Heroes and Forces Children Scotland who shared real-world experiences relating to housing, health & wellbeing and education.

Through case studies and discussion, the panel highlighted some of the unique challenges faced by serving personnel, veterans and military families, while demonstrating the value of partnership working between charities, public services and local organisations.

Their contributions provided an important reminder that lived experience must remain central to the development and delivery of support services.

22/06/2026

📌 NHS Golden Jubilee Armed Forces Recruitment Support Day.

Are you a service leaver, veteran, reservist, or military family member considering your next career move?

The NHS Golden Jubilee is hosting an Armed Forces Recruitment Support Day, offering practical advice and tailored support to help you turn your military experience into a rewarding civilian career.

When: Tuesday 23 June 2026
Time: 10am, 1pm or 4pm
Where: Online via Microsoft Teams

Please share this opportunity with service leavers, veterans, reservists, and military families who may benefit from attending.

Join our signatory and Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award holder NHS Golden Jubilee's Armed Forces Recruitment Support Day on Tuesday 23 June during : https://forms.office.com/Pages/ResponsePage.aspx?id=veDvEDCgykuAnLXmdF5JmgKG3h6Z3PJIl3kcysT7vLxUMDY1WUNMUTMzT0dFMjg0MzdNTENESjhDRi4u&fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAc3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHu6Zz6IRyzg61OUaovBTc11fGgZm-IwOzaKplbO97O9j0ReeT89G6z_isqTC_aem_8g-BZiwYAyzhTLXiSp0C9A. 🗓️📢🗓️

22/06/2026

🚍 Free travel for Armed Forces Weekend!

A fantastic gesture from Stagecoach to thank those who serve and have served our country. Serving personnel, veterans, and cadets can travel free across Stagecoach services on 27–28 June.

Please share this with anyone who may benefit from it.

🚌🎖️Free travel on Armed Forces Weekend (27th–28th June)

We're proud to show our appreciation for the incredible men and women who serve - and have served - our country.

As a small thank you, we're offering free bus travel across all Stagecoach services for members of the Armed Forces community throughout Armed Forces weekend.

Here’s who can travel for free:
✅ Serving military personnel in uniform or with a valid military ID
✅ Veterans with a veteran’s badge or military medal
✅ Cadets

It’s our way of saying thank you - for your service, your dedication, and your sacrifice.

Please feel free to share this with anyone who might benefit.

19/06/2026

🤝 One of the most thought-provoking sessions of the Veterans Scotland Armed Forces Champions Gathering 2026 came from Dr Alethea McHardy, Consultant in Sport and Exercise Medicine and lead researcher behind the Her Service Her Health Project.

Drawing on emerging research into the long-term health outcomes of female veterans in Scotland, Dr McHardy highlighted the importance of understanding how military service can affect health later in life and why evidence-led approaches are essential when developing future support.

The session sparked valuable discussion among delegates and demonstrated how research can help shape policy, services and interventions that better meet the needs of Scotland's veteran community.

19/06/2026

📊The Scottish Veterans Commissioner has published a new report, Veterans and Employment, examining employment outcomes and opportunities for veterans in Scotland.

The report explores the role of employment in supporting transition from military to civilian life and includes findings and recommendations relating to leadership, data, policy and access to opportunities for veterans.

Those with an interest in the veterans sector, employment and public policy can read the full report here:

🔗 https://www.scottishveteranscommissioner.org/report

Today I’ve published my new report on veterans and employment.

Employment is key to a successful transition to civilian life, and while most veterans go on to thrive in second careers, some still need support.

Scotland has made strong progress, but more can be done. We must turn intent into consistent action, strengthen leadership and data, and ensure every veteran can access the opportunities available.

You can read the report at: https://www.scottishveteranscommissioner.org/report-veterans-employment/

19/06/2026

🩺 Join the NHS Lothian Veterans Mental Health Service team at the Armed Forces Community Big Day Out on Saturday 20 June 2026.

WHERE: Craiglockhart Campus, Edinburgh Napier University. TIME: 12pm to 4pm.

Come along and find out about:

• Mental health support available for veterans across NHS Lothian
• How to access the right help at the right time
• Veteran-friendly organisations and local community support
• Services available for serving personnel and families

This is a FREE event for veterans, serving personnel, families, carers and the wider community.

18/06/2026

💻 Forces Pension Society Webinar Announced.

Understanding your Armed Forces pension is a vital part of planning for the future, whether you are currently serving, preparing to leave the military, supporting a family member, or already a veteran.

The Forces Pension Society will be hosting a live Armed Forces Pensions Webinar on Tuesday 14 July 2026 at 12:30pm, providing valuable information and guidance on military pensions and related benefits.

WHEN: Tuesday 14 July 2026
TIME: 12:30pm
WHERE: Online via MS Teams

Please follow the Forces Pension Society for registration details and joining instructions.

A date for your diary! Join us for our summer Armed Forces pensions webinar. All Welcome!

📅 Tues 14 July | ⏰ 12:30 | 📍Online via MS Teams

Joining link and full details to follow.

18/06/2026

☕️ Martin Bell Attends Legion Scotland Coffee Morning.

These gatherings are much more than a coffee and a chat. They provide an invaluable opportunity for veterans, service leavers, families and supporting organisations to connect, share experiences and strengthen the networks that help our community thrive.

A huge thank you to Legion Scotland for hosting such a welcoming event and to all the organisations involved in making the morning a success. It was particularly encouraging to see so many partners coming together with a shared commitment to supporting Scotland’s veterans.

Collaboration, conversation and community remain at the heart of everything we do, and events like these remind us just how powerful those connections can be.