https://asaforcescharity.com/, http://www.asascotland.org/, https://youtu.be/9HkYjWL_v0s?si=9p8BvpKuMM63ZqNe

ASA Scotland Charity, Castle Terrace, Edinburgh (2026)

12/10/2026

A SIGNIFICANT STEP FOR OUR VETERANS — FAIRNESS, DIGNITY AND JUSTICE

Troubles Bill: New legal safeguards proposed for British veterans

The UK Government has tabled a significant package of amendments to the Northern Ireland Troubles Bill, aimed at strengthening protections for former Armed Forces personnel and police officers who served during the Troubles.

For those who served on the front line, this announcement addresses some of the longstanding concerns about fairness, accountability and the unique circumstances in which they were required to operate.

The proposed measures include:

🇬🇧 Recognition that soldiers and terrorists are not equivalent. The amendments would establish in law recognition of the fundamental distinction between members of the Armed Forces serving their country and those engaged in terrorism.

⚖️ Fair consideration of the battlefield context. The uniquely challenging circumstances faced by soldiers operating on the front line would have to be properly considered.

🛡️ Additional safeguards for witnesses. The Commission would be required to consider whether new or compelling evidence exists before requiring a witness to participate.

⚖️ Further prosecutorial safeguards. An amendment would require the consent of the Attorney General, acting in a quasi-judicial capacity, before a prosecution could proceed.

Those who served deserve fairness. Those who sacrificed deserve respect. And those who wore the uniform deserve to have their service judged fairly, with proper regard for the circumstances in which they operated.

For veterans and their families who have spent years seeking reassurance that their service will be treated with dignity and justice, these proposed changes will be closely watched.

Our Armed Forces personnel serve under extraordinary pressures, often in circumstances where decisions must be made in moments and with incomplete information. Any examination of their actions must take account of the reality of the environment in which they served, while preserving the principles of the rule of law.

This is an important legislative development. The next step will be to see how the amendments progress through Parliament and what protections ultimately become law.

We must never forget those who served. We must never forget those who sacrificed. And we must always uphold fairness, justice and respect for our veterans.

🇬🇧 Proud to serve. Proud to remember. Proud to stand with our veterans.

Important distinction: The announcement concerns amendments that have been tabled, not necessarily protections that are already legally in force. The final wording and effect will depend on the legislative process and the provisions ultimately enacted.

Scotland

12/10/2026

Our NEW “LEST WE FORGET” pin badges are in production, what one do you like?

Every penny raised supports veterans and the voluntary work of our wee charity.

If you support our Armed Forces, military families or your a veteran, please stand with us and support our work.

Registered charity SCIO SC048597
Website: https://www.asascotland.org/

12/10/2026

“Never was so much owed by so many to so few" was a wartime speech delivered to the House of Commons of the United Kingdom by British prime minister Winston Churchill on 20th August 1940.

11/10/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🎖️ ONE SCOTTISH HERO. ONE PROUD FAMILY. ONE LASTING LEGACY 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

HELP US BRING DANIEL LOGAN LAIDLAW VC HOME TO HISTORY

“The sound of the pipes carried courage into the smoke of battle. More than a century later, it is our turn to make sure his story is never forgotten.”

In September 1915, on the blood-soaked battlefields of the First World War, one Scottish piper performed an act of extraordinary courage that would become part of our nation’s history.

His name was Piper Daniel Logan Laidlaw VC — the Piper of Loos.

As British troops prepared to advance during the Battle of Loos, the battlefield was a place of chaos, danger and unimaginable fear. Amid the smoke, noise and enemy fire, Laidlaw played his pipes, inspiring the men of the 7th Battalion, King’s Own Scottish Borderers to leave their trenches and advance.

His extraordinary gallantry earned him the Victoria Cross, the highest award for bravery in the face of the enemy.

He was more than a soldier. He was a symbol of courage, leadership and the indomitable Scottish spirit.

Today, more than 110 years later, we have an opportunity to ensure that his story continues to inspire generations to come.

❤️ A FAMILY’S PRIDE. A NATION’S RESPONSIBILITY.

For Daniel Laidlaw’s family, this is not simply a story in a history book. It is their family heritage. It is their grandfather, their great-grandfather, and a legacy that has been passed down through generations.

David Law, Daniel Laidlaw VC’s grandson, shared his pride in the campaign:

“This small voluntary charity have commissioned a memorial bust in memory of my grandad. This fills my heart with pride.”

His great-grandson, Richard Law, said:

“Our family are so proud of our family’s legacy.”

Those words remind us that behind every medal, every memorial and every chapter of military history, there is a family whose connection to that sacrifice never fades.

For ASA Scotland Charity, it is a privilege to help preserve that legacy.

🎖️ WE HAVE RAISED OVER £10,000 — NOW WE NEED YOU!

ASA Scotland Charity is a small, voluntary charity driven by a commitment to honour our Armed Forces, veterans, military families and the extraordinary individuals who helped shape our history.

We have already raised over £10,000 towards the Daniel Logan Laidlaw VC Memorial Bust Appeal.

That is over £10,000 raised through generosity, determination and the kindness of people who believe that our heroes deserve to be remembered.

But our work is not finished.

We need to raise a further £10,000 to reach our fundraising target.

We are now appealing to businesses, corporate sponsors, community organisations, charitable trusts, individuals and everyone who believes in preserving Scotland’s military heritage to stand with us.

Imagine what we could achieve if just 100 people, businesses or organisations each contributed £100.

Together, that would raise another £10,000.

A contribution of £500, £250, £100, £50 or whatever you can afford could bring us one step closer to making this memorial a reality.

For businesses, this is an opportunity to demonstrate community spirit, support an important heritage project and become part of a lasting tribute to a Scottish recipient of the Victoria Cross.

For individuals, it is an opportunity to leave a small part of your own legacy by helping preserve the memory of a man whose courage inspired others when it mattered most.

🏴 WHY THIS MEMORIAL MATTERS

This is about more than a bronze bust.

It is about ensuring that children understand the courage of those who came before them.

It is about teaching future generations that freedom has never been free.

It is about giving Daniel Laidlaw’s family the knowledge that their ancestor’s extraordinary story will continue to be recognised.

And it is about ensuring that, long after we are gone, people will still be able to stand before his memorial, learn his story and remember the man behind the Victoria Cross.

History does not preserve itself. People do.

People who care enough to give. Businesses that care enough to sponsor. Communities that care enough to stand together.

That is how legacies survive.

🤝 WILL YOU STAND WITH US?

To every person who has already donated, supported our fundraising events, shared our appeal or helped spread the word — thank you. You have brought us this far.

Now we need your help to take the final steps.

If you are a business owner, please consider becoming a sponsor.

If you represent an organisation, please consider making a donation or supporting our appeal.

If you are an individual who believes our heroes deserve to be remembered, please consider contributing what you can and sharing this appeal with your friends and family.

Every donation matters. Every sponsor matters. Every share matters.

Let’s turn our collective gratitude into something lasting.

Let’s stand alongside the Law family.

Let’s support ASA Scotland Charity.

And let’s ensure that the name of Piper Daniel Logan Laidlaw VC — the Piper of Loos — continues to echo through Scotland’s history for generations to come.

🎖️ OVER £10,000 RAISED. £10,000 STILL TO GO 🙏

Help us complete this memorial. Help us preserve his legacy. Help us remember our hero.

📩 To discuss corporate sponsorship, business support or donations, please contact ASA Scotland Charity.📞

❤️ Together, we can make history live on.

Piper Daniel Logan Laidlaw VC — courage remembered, legacy preserved.

LEST WE FORGET 🌺

11/10/2026

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿 SCOTLAND’S HISTORIC MOMENT — THE SURRENDER OF THE GERMAN FLEET 🇬🇧

21st November 1918 — The Firth of Forth, Scotland

Just days after the guns fell silent on the Western Front, Scotland witnessed one of the most extraordinary moments in naval history.

On the grey waters of the Firth of Forth, the mighty German High Seas Fleet sailed into British custody, escorted by the Royal Navy and the victorious Allied fleet.

Battleships and battlecruisers that had once challenged British naval supremacy now lay under the watchful eyes of the sailors who had helped defend Britain’s shores and keep the sea lanes open throughout four years of war.

At the heart of this historic event stood the Royal Navy’s Grand Fleet, commanded by Admiral Sir David Beatty.

It was more than a naval surrender. It was a moment that symbolised the end of Germany’s challenge to British naval power and the beginning of a new chapter after the devastation of the First World War.

The German ships were later escorted to Scapa Flow in Orkney, where they remained interned until June 1919.

Today, we remember the sailors who served at sea, often in terrible conditions, far from home and loved ones. Their courage, endurance and sacrifice helped shape the history of our nation.

Scotland’s waters were not merely a backdrop to history. They were at its very heart.

The Firth of Forth. The Royal Navy. A moment that changed naval history forever 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿🇬🇧

We will remember them.

🇬🇧 Lest We Forget 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁳󠁣󠁴󠁿

11/10/2026

🇬🇧 The Battle Above the Forth — Scotland's First Fight Against the Luftwaffe

16th October 1939 · The Firth of Forth, Scotland

Just weeks after Britain entered the Second World War, the skies above the Firth of Forth became the scene of a historic confrontation.

German Luftwaffe bombers swept towards the waters near Rosyth Naval Dockyard, seeking Royal Navy warships. Their arrival brought the war directly to Scotland, threatening vital naval assets and the communities around the Forth.

But the RAF was ready.

Spitfires from 603 (City of Edinburgh) Squadron rose to intercept the attackers. Above the Forth Bridge, British and German aircraft clashed in one of the earliest aerial battles of the war over Britain. The RAF fighters attacked the incoming bombers, and German aircraft were brought down — including one off the East Lothian coast and another near Fife.
The Forth Bridge survived, but the naval engagement came at a terrible cost: Royal Navy personnel were killed and wounded. The action demonstrated that Scotland was on the frontline of the war and that the defence of Britain had begun long before the famous summer of 1940.

For the pilots of 603 Squadron, it was more than a mission. It was a moment when courage, skill and determination met a very real threat above their homeland.

Their actions helped establish a proud chapter in Scottish RAF history, one that deserves to be remembered alongside the better-known stories of the Battle of Britain.

The Forth Bridge was not the intended target of the raid, but the skies above it became a battlefield. And there, over Scottish waters, the RAF showed that Britain would not surrender its skies without a fight.
They came from the skies. Scotland's defenders rose to meet them.

ROYAL AIR FORCE — THE BATTLE ABOVE THE FORTH

🇬🇧 Lest We Forget. 🌺

11/10/2026

🇬🇧 THE BATTLE OF DUNKIRK — A STORY OF COURAGE, SACRIFICE AND HOPE 🇬🇧

🌺 26 May – 4 June 1940 | LEST WE FORGET

In the darkest days of the Second World War, on the beaches of Dunkirk, a generation of British and Allied servicemen faced what seemed an impossible situation.

Surrounded by advancing German forces, hundreds of thousands of soldiers found themselves trapped along the French coastline. The future looked bleak. Behind them lay the enemy. Before them lay the sea.

Yet, in the face of overwhelming odds, something extraordinary happened.

Operation Dynamo was born.

The Royal Navy, merchant seamen, fishermen and ordinary civilians answered the call. From naval destroyers to little fishing boats and privately owned pleasure craft, vessels crossed the English Channel into dangerous waters to bring the stranded soldiers home.

Under relentless enemy attack, men waited on the beaches, stood waist-deep in the sea and endured bombing, fear and uncertainty. Above them, the RAF fought to protect the evacuation, often beyond the sight of those they were defending.

Between 26 May and 4 June 1940, more than 338,000 British and Allied troops were evacuated from Dunkirk.

It was not a victory in the traditional sense. France was falling, equipment had been abandoned, and the war was far from over. But Dunkirk became a powerful symbol of courage, resilience and a nation’s refusal to surrender.

Behind every rescued soldier was a story. A son, a husband, a father, a brother. Men who had endured unimaginable hardship and who would go on to fight again, many sacrificing their lives in the years that followed.

And behind the evacuation stood ordinary people who did extraordinary things — sailors, fishermen, volunteers and civilians who risked everything because their country needed them.

Dunkirk reminds us that courage is not always about winning a battle. Sometimes, it is about refusing to give up when everything appears lost. It is about standing together, answering the call and bringing people home.

Today, we remember every serviceman who fought at Dunkirk, every sailor who crossed those dangerous waters, every airman who took to the skies, and every civilian who played their part.

Their courage helped preserve the strength and spirit that Britain would need to continue the fight for freedom.

They stood firm when the odds were against them. They endured when hope seemed distant. And together, they helped write one of the most remarkable chapters in our nation’s history.

🇬🇧 We will remember them. We will honour their sacrifice. And we will never forget the price of our freedom.

🌺 THE BATTLE OF DUNKIRK — LEST WE FORGET.

10/10/2026

🇬🇧✈️ THE BATTLE OF BRITAIN — WHEN COURAGE TOOK TO THE SKIES ✈️🇬🇧

🌺 10 JULY – 31 OCTOBER 1940 | LEST WE FORGET

There are moments in history when the fate of a nation rests upon the courage of a few.

In the summer of 1940, Britain faced one of its darkest hours. Europe had fallen under the shadow of N**i Germany, and the threat of invasion loomed over our shores.

Between Britain and Hitler’s ambition stood the brave young men of the Royal Air Force.

They climbed into their Spitfires and Hurricanes, looked danger in the face and took to the skies. Many were barely in their twenties. They knew the odds were against them, yet they flew again and again, determined to defend their homeland and protect the freedoms we cherish today.

Above the clouds, they fought for Britain. Below them, a nation held its breath.

Behind every aircraft stood the ground crews, engineers, radar operators and countless others whose dedication kept the RAF flying. Together, they formed a shield over our island at a time when the future of our nation hung in the balance.

These were not men who believed themselves invincible. They were men who understood the danger — and flew regardless.

Some returned to their families. Others made the ultimate sacrifice, never to see their loved ones again. Their youth, their dreams and their futures were given in the service of something greater than themselves.

On 20 August 1940, Winston Churchill captured the debt owed to them in words that would live forever:

“Never in the field of human conflict was so much owed by so many to so few.”

The Battle of Britain was more than a battle for control of the skies. It was a battle for freedom, for hope, and for the right of future generations to live without the tyranny of N**i rule.

The courage and determination of those airmen helped deny Germany the air superiority necessary for its planned invasion of Britain.

They stood between a nation and its darkest hour — and they did not give way.

Today, we remember The Few. We honour their courage, their comradeship and their sacrifice. We remember the men and women whose skill, service and determination helped change the course of history.

Their story must never become just another page in a history book. It must live on in our schools, our communities, our families and in the hearts of every generation that follows.

Because freedom has a price. Courage has a cost. And remembrance is our promise that their sacrifice will never be forgotten.

🇬🇧 THE FEW WHO STOOD FIRM. THE BRAVE WHO TOOK TO THE SKIES. THE HEROES WHO HELPED SAVE A NATION.

🌺 WE WILL REMEMBER THEM. LEST WE FORGET.

10/10/2026

ASA Scotland Honorary Chairman Councillor Harry Cartmill vote of thanks last night.

10/10/2026

Thank you to Kirsteen Sullivan MP for support g and taking part in the Purple Poppy Memorial in Bathgate yesterday.

THE PURPLE POPPY POEM

They Served Beside Us

They had no medals upon their chest,
No uniform, no voice to speak,
Yet when their country called for them,
They stood beside the strong and weak.

The horses carried men to war,
Through fields of mud and rain,
The dogs searched through the shattered ground,
And stayed beside the pain.

The pigeons carried messages,
Through skies of smoke and fire,
Their courage helped to save a life,
When hope was growing tired.

They never asked why they were there,
They simply did their part,
And many left the battlefield
With courage in their heart.

So when we see the purple poppy,
Let its meaning now be clear:

We remember every animal
Who served throughout the years.

Those who lived, and those who died,
Those who served both near and far,
Their sacrifice will not be lost,
Their memory is our star.

And while we honour those who serve
In uniform today,
We remember those beside them too —
The animals who shared the way.

We Will Remember Them 💜

Kirsteen Sullivan MP

—————-

THE PURPLE POPPY STORY

The Purple Poppy represents the animals who have served alongside our Armed Forces.

From the battlefields of the First World War to modern-day operations, animals have played an extraordinary role in military service.

Horses carried soldiers into battle. Dogs searched for casualties, detected explosives and protected their handlers. Pigeons carried vital messages when other forms of communication failed.

They did not choose war.

They simply served alongside those who asked them to go.

The Purple Poppy gives us an opportunity to ensure that their courage and sacrifice are never forgotten.

Today, as we unveil and dedicate this memorial, we make a simple promise:

We will remember the animals who served — past, present and future.

This memorial is dedicated to the animals who served.

To those who carried our soldiers.

To those who searched for the wounded.

To those who carried messages.

To those who detected danger.

To those who offered comfort.

And to those who never came home.

May their service never be forgotten.

May their sacrifice always be remembered.

And may the Purple Poppy forever remind us that they served too.

Final words

They served beside us.
They suffered beside us.
They sacrificed beside us.
And today, we remember them.

Lest we forget.

We will remember them.

Thank you. 💜🐾

His Majesty’s Lord Lieutenant Ms Moira Niven MBE

ASA Scotland Charity

12/10/2026

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