We seem to be rushing through February when I was reminded this week that I’ve not yet sent out my usual monthly blog!  Last year most blogs were my own thoughts and observations, but this year I am planning to include more guest blogs from a variety of different individuals, all with unique stories to tell of what it’s like living in, and working for, our veterans community.  Watch out for the first of these next month!

2020 kicked off on a positive note with fresh clarity and renewed drive for change in Government plans to deliver on the joint ‘Strategy for Our Veterans’. On 21 January the Scottish Government published its plan to implement the Strategy in Scotland. Graeme Dey, the SG Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans, made a statement to the Scottish Parliament, while the UK Government also published its own response to the consultation.  The sort of cross-government ownership we’ve seen with the Strategy can be pretty rare these days and it’s refreshing to see the needs of our veterans put before political differences.  In my response to the Scottish Government’s plan, I refer to the importance of meaningful collaboration in the push required to finally get transition from service to civilian life right.  

It’s that time again when many of us take stock on the passing of another year and when we take the opportunity to consider the expectations and challenges for the next.  Here’s a summary of some of my work from 2019 with a look ahead to what I hope to achieve in 2020.

This year’s Remembrance Day marks 100 years since the first poignant Armistice Day commemorations held in 1919.  Each year, the 11^th November offers us an opportunity to remember all those who have given their lives in the defence of our nation.  It remains just as important now as it was then.

I cannot believe that it has been a year since I took up my appointment as Scottish Veterans Commissioner from Eric Fraser.  It has been fascinating meeting so many people both from within the military and veteran’s communities and from society in general.  So many people who have been inspirational in their own ways whether they are overcoming their own personal challenges or whether they are prepared to sacrifice so much of their time to help others.  It is not difficult to remain motivated to do what I can to help our veterans when presented with such inspiration.