More support for veterans

A new plan for veterans and their families has been published by the Scottish Government.

Taking the Strategy Forward in Scotland is a response to the UK-wide Strategy for our Veterans launched in 2018 to support and empower veterans.

A Scotland-wide consultation by the Scottish Government conducted following the Strategy launch found no significant gaps in provision.

But the document highlights areas for improvement under key themes including employment, education and skills, finance and debt, health and wellbeing and making a home in civilian society.

Across these key themes priorities include better collection and use of data to identify and address veterans’ needs and increasing public recognition of the positive contribution veterans make to wider society.

Minister for Veterans Graeme Dey said:

“This document sets out how we intend to improve all services that impact on the lives of veterans and their families in Scotland.

“I have made clear our response needs to be driven by those with experience of the Armed Forces and our consultation now gives us a clearer picture than ever before about the needs of veterans.

“We have already identified some areas where rapid progress can be made, but we will not be complacent in continuing to seek ways we can better support our veterans community to 2028 and beyond.

“My ambition remains to make Scotland the destination of choice for Service leavers and their families, offering high living standards, great job prospects and a society that respects and values their contribution.”

Background

The ten year Strategy for our Veterans, published in November 2018, is jointly owned by the Governments of the UK and builds on the work of organisations across the public, private and charitable sectors.

Progress in Scotland will be reported to the Scottish Parliament through an annual update by the Veterans Minister.

The Scottish Government established an independent Veterans Commissioner in 2014.

In 2017 there were an estimated 220,000 UK Armed Forces veterans in Scotland.

Read the Strategy for Our Veterans – Taking the Strategy Forward in Scotland.