But now we are letting them down

SCOTLAND’S wounded war heroes have been failed by the Government and a covenant to protect them is “meaningless”, a shocking report has revealed.

The nation’s veterans guru has called for a transformation in the way we look after former forces men and women.

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Eric Fraser has highlighted that more needs to be done urgently to meet the long-term specialist health and social care needs of our proud veterans.

He has also slammed the hollow promises of the Military Covenant, which was supposed to safeguard troops as they return from Afghanistan and Iraq.

Former Royal Navy commodore Eric – who had a 37-year military career – was appointed to the post in August 2014 BY STEPHEN STEWART with a broad remit to improve outcomes for veterans. It is the first role of its kind in the UK.

He said: “There are significant numbers of men and women in our communities who struggle with injuries and conditions caused or exacerbated by their military service. I have concluded that the levels of ambition and innovation which characterised work in support of veterans has waned in recent years.

“This may be partly understandable given the pressures on the health system, but it is disappointing that the health of veterans no longer attracts the same level of attention it once did. I’m determined to see this trend checked and a renewed investment in long-term planning.”

In his new report – seen exclusively