Almost half of Naval spouses and partners surveyed by the Naval Families Federation are not using their skills or qualifications in their current jobs. This supports my Veterans and Employment findings on the need for more flexible, sustainable careers. nff.org.uk/your-voice-your-v…

Where a veteran lives should never determine their access to mental health support. I welcome new national support through the Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway, delivered by @CombatStress, @TheDMWS and @HelpforHeroes. loom.ly/u4txMho

Good to be in Ayr for the @HousingOpsScot roadshow. I heard more about Military Matters, which provides expert housing advice to the Armed Forces and veteran community and connects people with the wider military support network.

The Scottish Veterans Fund small grants are open! Apply for up to £10,000 for one-year projects supporting veterans and their families in Scotland, or serving families alongside the veterans community. ⏰ Closes Fri 20 Nov Apply 👉 find-government-grants.servi…

September included the publication of my 2026 Progress Report, the launch of Beyond the Wire’s bereavement hub and confirmation that I will continue as Scottish Veterans Commissioner until June 2027. scottishveteranscommissioner…

A wonderful evening celebrating 10 years of the @VeteransFdn, including an inspirational address by @MarkOrmrod and wonderful signing from the @MWChoirs. The VF also launched the Armed Forces Pledge: veteransfoundation.org.uk/si…

Dawn joined the Royal Navy at 17, ready to build a career. The Armed Forces LGBT Ban cut it short. If the Ban affected you between 1967 and 2000, apply for recognition by 12 December 2026: gov.uk/affected-by-the-ban

Research is underway into the needs and experiences of non-UK communities within the Armed Forces community. The survey closes on 30 September. Researchers also want to hear from non-UK veterans who may be willing to be interviewed. Find out more: loom.ly/rK3boOs

In 2025/26, @ForcesChildren supported 437 babies, children and young people in person, while 820 accessed its digital services. I am proud to support its work as a mission partner. Read the Impact Report here: forceschildrenscotland.org.u…

Good to see Leanne Bonner and Robyn Pattison from @Poppyscotland at the Scottish Parliament today. Preparations for the Scottish Poppy Appeal 2026 are underway, with parliamentarians and staff being encouraged to volunteer some of their time to support the appeal.

Great to meet Gillian Russell, CEO of the Association of Royal Naval Officers & the Royal Naval Officers' Charity. We discussed the comradeship and support they provide to serving and former commissioned officers of the RN, RM and QARRNS, and their spouses or partners. #Veterans

Helpful meeting this week with Kevin Kane (CEO, Shared Parenting Scotland) & Mark Downie, their Armed Forces & Veterans Manager. Learned about their work supporting separated forces/veteran families and their project on those in the justice system. More: sharedparenting.scot

No two journeys from military to civilian life are the same. One Transition, Many Lives, a new film from @FiMTrust, follows four different experiences and shows why preparation and support that reflect individual circumstances matter. Watch: youtube.com/watch?v=ViNJVEOW…

I am delighted to announce that my term as the Scottish Veterans Commissioner has been extended. I will continue to champion veterans’ voices and push for change so no veteran faces disadvantage because of their service. Read more: loom.ly/ohBtPdk

Bereaved veterans and families need clear information in one place. Beyond the Wire’s new interactive Bereavement Hub brings together advice and support for the military community. Find out more about the hub: loom.ly/KqtsewE or read our report: loom.ly/5RlGmFA

Today I've published my 2026 Progress Report and it's a muted picture overall. Read the full news release here: scottishveteranscommissioner…

Great to catch up with Peter Gibson, CEO of @fightingwpride, to hear about the charity's plans to support LGBT veterans in Scotland. Reminder: the Financial Recognition Scheme for LGBT veterans affected by the historical ban closes 12 Dec. affectedbytheban.campaign.go…

Really valuable day at the RAND Europe Stakeholder Workshop on Future Views of Mental Health. Funders, service providers & stakeholders thinking through what mental health need and provision could look like over the next two decades. #MentalHealth #Veterans

Great event this week hearing about FiMTrust's new 'FiMT Challenges' initiative and meeting Matt Bazeley OBE, new CEO of ForcesEmployC. Encouraging conversations on collaboration and innovation across the sector. #ArmedForcesCommunity #VeteransSupport #Scotland

Yesterday, the Veterans Commissioners for Scotland, NI and Wales met Sir Chris Bryant (NI Sec), Wes Streeting (Defence Sec), Calvin Bailey (Veterans Minister) and Sarah Owen (NI Office) to discuss the NI Troubles Bill and raise veterans' concerns on the way forward. #Veterans