A commitment to those who served
by As we approach Remembrance Sunday and Armistice Day is entirely appropriate that we reflect deeply on our profound duty to Scotland’s ex-service community.
Under the leadership of John Swinney, the Scottish Government remains steadfast in its dedication to ensuring our veterans receive the robust backing, dignity, and respect they have earned through their service.
The Scottish Government has recently spotlighted ongoing opportunities through the Scottish Veterans’ Fund.
Most recently we have encouraged organisations offering support to veterans and their families to apply for grants of up to £10,000 to help those facing disadvantage as a result of their service to the country.
With funding increased to £600,000 per year, this initiative continues to empower local organisations that deliver vital assistance on the ground.
To date, the fund has already channelled over £3.8 million into nearly 220 individual projects across the country, proving that grassroots support makes a genuine, positive difference in the everyday lives of veterans and their families.
Supporting our ex-service community extends far beyond annual commemorations, and the Scottish Government has championed a comprehensive approach centred on health, housing, and integration.
We established the veterans rail card so they can enjoy a discount of a third on rail travel, and injured veterans are eligible for free travel on Scotland’s buses.
With Scottish Government support, Housing Options Scotland is a specialist charity for the Armed Forces community which advises them on the full range of housing options, including homes available only to those with a connection to the Armed Forces.
Developed in collaboration with the Scottish Government’s Going Forward into Employment team, Social Security Scotland is providing a supportive route into work for veterans.
We have enhanced healthcare access by bolstering mental health provision for ex-service personnel through working alongside dedicated specialised frameworks such as the Veterans In Service Injury Network (VISIN) and the Armed Forces and Veterans GP Recognition Scheme.
We backed the Unforgotten Forces Consortium between 2017 and 2026 so that charities and third sector groups could establish partnerships so they can continue to deliver specialised support for older veterans throughout Scotland.
And we are actively advancing collaborative action plans to ensure Scotland remains a destination of choice for service leavers, with robust independent oversight provided via the Scottish Veterans Commissioner.
Our vision is a society where every single veteran is guaranteed high-standard housing, effective healthcare, and robust employment pathways.
The SNP as the Scottish Government will continue to use every lever at our disposal to champion those who served, ensuring they are never left behind.