Scottish Veterans Fund opens

Organisations that want to work with veterans and their families are being urged to apply to a fund that benefits former services personnel.

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey is to open the Scottish Veterans Fund (SVF) at the Armed Forces and Veterans Champions Gathering in Glasgow tomorrow.

The fund, supported by the Scottish Government and Standard Life Aberdeen, backs projects that provide new or innovative approaches to improving the lives of veterans.

This year also sees the fund emphasise that it is open to supporting schemes that help the families of veterans, not just those who have previously served.

Since its inception in 2008, the fund has backed more than 150 projects across Scotland, investing more than £1.4m.

It is particularly aimed at helping the veterans community overcome any disadvantage experienced as a result of service, as well as supporting projects that help veterans and their families successfully transition to civilian life.

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey said:

“Veterans are a great asset to our country.

“It is our aim to make Scotland the destination of choice for those who have previously served in the Armed Forces, which is why I am delighted to announce this continued support for them and their families.

“Over the years, the projects funded have provided unique and innovative approaches to aiding our veterans community.

“I look forward to seeing the bids that veterans organisations put forward – and warmly welcome those that work with families to consider applying to this valuable fund.”

Sandy MacDonald, Head of Corporate Sustainability at Standard Life Aberdeen, said:

“At Standard Life Aberdeen we are committed to supporting the military community.

“We all benefit when veterans and their families are able to prosper after military service.

“We are delighted to again be collaborating with Scottish Government and Veterans Scotland to help make that happen.”

Executive Chairman of Veterans Scotland Chris Hughes said:

“Veterans Scotland welcomes this continuing support which will directly benefit those leaving the Services and veterans and their families.”

Background

The Scottish Government will support the veterans sector through the Scottish Veterans Fund for the next three years, up to 2022/23.

The funding available for this year totals £200,000: £120,000 from the Scottish Government and £80,000 from fund partner Standard Life Aberdeen.

Applications forms and guidance will be available shortly on the Veterans Scotland website and the fund closes on 30 November, 2019.