ScotsVeteransComm

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 f served in the Royal Yacht to share experiences and camaraderie.

My latest blog reflects on the value of connection, comradeship and common experience in the veteran community. You can read it at: scottishveteranscommissioner.org/news/news/conn…

It was a true privilege to join the Army Widows’ Association for their AGM dinner. It was a special opportunity to meet so many of the remarkable members of the Association who have given so much for our country and support each other with so much warmth, humour and friendship.

On #VEDay we remember those who served during WWII to achieve peace in Europe and we honour the courage of all who served. We acknowledge the sacrifice of those who did not come home, and the loved ones who grieved their loss. We will remember them. #LestWeForget

A busy month of engagements in April including visits to Inverness, Speyside, Kelso and Glasgow, and a chance to celebrate the veteran community at the 2026 Scottish Veterans Awards. Read more in my April round-up: scottishveteranscommissioner.org/news/news/apri…

It was a pleasure to see the 2026 Scottish Veterans Awards recognise excellence in a wide range of categories such as Employer (Police Scotland), Inspiration (Pauline Cherrington of Lothians Veterans Centre) and Health & Well-being (Janet Harkess of Scottish Veterans Residences).

It was a joy to be part of the 2026 Scottish Veterans Awards, hearing some incredible stories, meeting outstanding people and sharing in the strong sense of pride in a veteran community that is vibrant, capable and continuing to contribute to our society. #veteransawards

A number of support organisations such as Housing Options Scotland and SSAFA were also on hand to offer advice. It was also a pleasure to catch up with the CTP team for an update.

Great to see plenty of Service Leavers and a host of employers at the CTP Employment Fair at Murrayfield this week. I spoke with a number of employers looking to hire ex military people including NESO, because they recognise the valuable skills and attributes that veterans bring.

The visit also provided an opportunity to hear more about GHH's future plans, including its role as Scotland's first VALOUR Recognised Centre.

I visited the Pearce Institute in Govan yesterday for a constructive programme of meetings, beginning with discussions with veterans and the management team at Community Veterans Support.

I then met with Dr Liz Cameron CBE at the offices of Glasgow's Helping Heroes for a discussion on approaches to supporting small and medium sized enterprises in Scotland to employ veterans.

Watch the Australian National Dawn Service here: youtube.com/watch?v=e5_Q5g…

Every #AnzacDay we remember Australians and & New Zealanders who have served in war, conflict & peacekeeping operations around the world. We honour their bravery and dedication, and thank them for their sacrifice. #AnzacDay2026 #LestWeForget

Following my recent visit to Inverness and Strathspey, my latest blog reflects on the vital role played by volunteers in supporting the veteran community and in honouring those who sacrificed so much for the freedoms we all enjoy. You can read more at: scottishveteranscommissioner.org/news/news/volu…

Support and services for veterans must be inclusive, accessible, and truly reflect the diversity of the whole community.

It was a privilege to meet Sharon Pickering, from Fighting With Pride, and RAF veteran Gary Wilson, who endured deeply unjust treatment under the LGBT ban. Hearing their personal stories was incredibly moving, and a powerful reminder of the lasting impact of that policy.