Research is underway into the needs and experiences of non-UK communities within the Armed Forces community.
The survey closes on 30 September. Researchers also want to hear from non-UK veterans who may be willing to be interviewed.
Find out more:
loom.ly/rK3boOs
In 2025/26, @ForcesChildren supported 437 babies, children and young people in person, while 820 accessed its digital services.
I am proud to support its work as a mission partner.
Read the Impact Report here: forceschildrenscotland.org.u…
Good to see Leanne Bonner and Robyn Pattison from @Poppyscotland at the Scottish Parliament today.
Preparations for the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2026 are underway, with parliamentarians and staff being encouraged to volunteer some of their time to support the appeal.
Great to meet Gillian Russell, CEO of the Association of Royal Naval Officers & the Royal Naval Officers' Charity. We discussed the comradeship and support they provide to serving and former commissioned officers of the RN, RM and QARRNS, and their spouses or partners. #Veterans
Helpful meeting this week with Kevin Kane (CEO, Shared Parenting Scotland) & Mark Downie, their Armed Forces & Veterans Manager. Learned about their work supporting separated forces/veteran families and their project on those in the justice system.
More: sharedparenting.scot
No two journeys from military to civilian life are the same.
One Transition, Many Lives, a new film from @FiMTrust, follows four different experiences and shows why preparation and support that reflect individual circumstances matter.
Watch: piped.video/watch?v=ViNJVEOW…
I am delighted to announce that my term as the Scottish Veterans Commissioner has been extended.
I will continue to champion veterans’ voices and push for change so no veteran faces disadvantage because of their service.
Read more: loom.ly/ohBtPdk
Bereaved veterans and families need clear information in one place.
Beyond the Wire’s new interactive Bereavement Hub brings together advice and support for the military community.
Find out more about the hub: loom.ly/KqtsewE or read our report: loom.ly/5RlGmFA
Great to catch up with Peter Gibson, CEO of @fightingwpride, to hear about the charity's plans to support LGBT veterans in Scotland.
Reminder: the Financial Recognition Scheme for LGBT veterans affected by the historical ban closes 12 Dec.
affectedbytheban.campaign.go…
Really valuable day at the RAND Europe Stakeholder Workshop on Future Views of Mental Health. Funders, service providers & stakeholders thinking through what mental health need and provision could look like over the next two decades. #MentalHealth#Veterans
Great event this week hearing about FiMTrust's new 'FiMT Challenges' initiative and meeting Matt Bazeley OBE, new CEO of ForcesEmployC. Encouraging conversations on collaboration and innovation across the sector. #ArmedForcesCommunity#VeteransSupport#Scotland
Yesterday, the Veterans Commissioners for Scotland, NI and Wales met Sir Chris Bryant (NI Sec), Wes Streeting (Defence Sec), Calvin Bailey (Veterans Minister) and Sarah Owen (NI Office) to discuss the NI Troubles Bill and raise veterans' concerns on the way forward.
#Veterans
August has been a busy month, with a range of activity and events. Highlights included the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo and a visit to The Black Watch Association and Museum.
Read more in my August round-up: scottishveteranscommissioner…
The Royal Air Force is the lead Service for this year's Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo. It was a huge pleasure to meet some of the outstanding musicians following the performance which featured bands from around the globe.
#royalmilitarytattoo
On the anniversary of Victory over Japan Day, marking the end of the Second World War, tribute is paid to the Allied forces whose courage, service and sacrifice helped shape the course of history. Their legacy lives on in the freedoms enjoyed today.
It is also a day to remember the enduring impact of war on those who returned with life-changing injuries, visible and unseen; and the families, friends and communities whose lives were forever altered by conflict.
I was also delighted to meet members of the Black Watch Association Welfare Committee over lunch. It was invaluable to hear directly about the experiences, concerns, and priorities of veterans within the Black Watch community.
The excellent museum brings to life the regiment’s proud history and heritage, recognising its distinguished contribution to our nation’s defence and the service and sacrifice of generations of soldiers and their families.