It was a pleasure to welcome Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Susie Hamilton to our Linburn Centre last week! She had a packed day of activities and got to see first-hand how support from Sight Scotland Veterans helps to combat isolation and build confidence and community.

It was a pleasure to meet veterans and staff at Sight Scotland Veterans' Linburn Centre last week and hear about the activities, support and friendship that make such a difference. Inspiring to see visually impaired veterans supported to lead active, independent, and fulfilling lives.

A minor clan gathering at the #ScottishPoppyAppeal launch at Holyrood last night, meeting Major Del Hamilton and Captain Sean Hamilton. A meaningful start to Remembrance, and to the vital fundraising period that helps provide life-changing support for the veteran community.

A really valuable day of collaboration in action at the Unforgotten Forces Autumn Gathering yesterday. Great to see so many organisations, including new members, coming together to share experience, insights and practice in supporting older veterans across Scotland.

Applications are open for a range of roles within Office for Veterans' Affairs, working to deliver the new VALOUR programme which aims to transform support for veterans across the UK. You can search for positions using the search term VALOUR at ➡️ civilservicejobs.service.gov.uk/csr/index.cgi

It was a privilege to speak at Scotland's Housing Network's Annual Gathering yesterday. Kevin McLeod from SVR joined me to share a powerful & personal story which highlighted the challenges some veterans face when securing housing - and how support & collaboration can address them.

Pleased to return to the Police Scotland Armistice event to provide an update on the policy context for veterans & lay a wreath in remembrance. Great to hear about the revalidation of their Defence Employer Recognition Gold award & the developing role of their veterans champions.

A very busy October with engagements ranging from conferences to support group visits, and of course the start of the Remembrance period, which brought a number of moving, reflective events. Read more in my latest monthly round-up: scottishveteranscommissioner.org/news/news/octo…

On this day, we pause in quiet reflection to honour those who gave their lives in service. We thank all those who have served, and we think of all those still living with the impact of conflict, including veterans, their loved ones and the bereaved. #LestWeForget

Today, I’ve published my new report on support for the military bereaved community. Bereavement in the Forces community is uniquely complex - shaped by service, sacrifice and shared experience - and it’s vital support reflects this. Read the full report: scottishveteranscommissioner.org/report-bereave…