It’s only a start
Friends’ anguish at latest tragedy
THE suicide epidemic among Scottish soldiers is nothing short of a human catastrophe.
One serving or retired soldier took their life every six days this year.
And today, we reveal another member of our Armed Forces has committed suicide.
Marc Rhoddan, who served with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, as a Royal Highland Fusilier, was only 28.
The people in power have had no choice but to sit up and take note of our deeply upsetting series of stories.
Chancellor Philip Hammond made a positive noise in his Budget yesterday.
He announced a £10million cash boost to help mental health care for veterans.
It was unexpected – but it must not end there.
People who put on the uniform and serve the country need to know support will always be there.
ANOTHER Scot has fallen victim to the suicide epidemic sweeping through our former soldiers.
Marc Rhoddan, who served with the Royal Regiment of Scotland, was found dead at a property in Johnstone, Renfrewshire, on Saturday, days after his 28th birthday.
He is the latest of 50 servicemen to die in tragic circumstances this year.
His death sparked a fresh wave of outrage over the lack of support for Scotland’s military veterans once they leave the Armed Forces.
An Army friend said: “He was a great guy and a good laugh. One of the boys.
“It’s so sad that this has happened. It’s shocking. A lot of people will be totally devastated by this.
“Taking your own life is never, never the answer.
“We need to show these guys their life is worth something and they are valued.”
Rangers fan Marc served as an infantry soldier with 2 SCOTS (Royal Highland Fusiliers), based at Glencorse Barracks at Penicuik, near Edinburgh.
It is believed he was no longer in the Army at the time of his death.
Former Army reservist Paul Sweeney MP said an investigation into veterans’ services is urgently needed.
He said: “Mr Rhoddan was just a year younger than I am.
“It is chilling to see so many veterans in my own generation suffering without the support or help that is so urgently needed.
“Thousands of veterans in their 20s, 30s and 40s have served on operations in Iraq and Afghanistan and the longterm psychological impact that has had is little understood.
“In many cases there is a lack of willingness to get to grips with the scale of the issue by the MoD because it would entail significant costs to them.
“However, what is the cost to society and to the Military Covenant if we do not take action?
“With the launch of the Poppy Scotland appeal last week, it is clear that simply leaving this matter up to lots of different charities alone simply isn’t good enough.”
Marc’s friends took to social media to pay tribute. One said: “Another brother has sadly taken his own life. Something needs done about this by this pathetic Government.
“Please anybody who is feeling down please don’t take this path. People love you and you can be helped, just open up. My door is always open.”
Marc’s death came after another Scottish soldier was laid to rest on Friday. Fraser Stirling, 30, was one of five British servicemen who died last month over just six days.
Gary Bruton, 41, Jamie Doyle, in his early 40s, Adam Simcock, 54, and Mathew Shillito, 31, also died between September 26 and October 1 in tragic circumstances.
Sergeant Stirling, who died in London while on leave from the Royal Irish Regiment, served three tours in Afghanistan and had offered to help traumatised soldiers.
His funeral was at Buckie crematorium in Moray.
Scotland saw a wave of soldier suicides in August, including Ryan Smith, Jamie Davies, Alistair McLeish and Jonny Cole in little more than a week.
Before Marc’s death, the soldier suicide epidemic was labelled a “catastrophic waste of life” by the Scottish veterans commissioner Charlie Wallace.
Days ago, Scotland’s mental health minister Clare Haughey revealed a national crisis plan.
Last night, Police Scotland said: “Around 10.30am on Saturday, police received a report of the sudden death of a 28-year-old man. There are no suspicious circumstances.
“A report will be submitted to the Procurator Fiscal.”