Cash windfall for vital veterans’ causes

Veterans’groups in Renfrewshire are being rewarded for their service to their country.

The Unforgotten Forces consortium, which includes the Royal British Legion and Poppyscotland, is being handed £750,000 over the next three years to support the vital work it does in the community.

The consortium, led by Poppyscotland, focuses on improving the health, well-being and quality of life for veterans aged 65 and older, and was previously supported by the UK Government.

Holyrood is stepping in and picking up the tab because existing funding arrangements are due to stop at the end of June.

Minister for Parliamentary Business and Veterans Graeme

Dey said:“The work that these charities are doing for Scotland’s community of older veterans is having a remarkable and positive impact.

“As Minister for Veterans, I have great admiration for them.

“In recognition of their efforts, the Scottish Government is providing £750,000 of funding so that they can continue to support our older veterans for a further three years.

“I am also calling on the UK Government to meet their responsibilities to veterans in Scotland by joining with us in providing further substantial funding to the Unforgotten Forces consortium.”

Poppyscotland chief executive Mark Bibbey added:“This new commitment from the Scottish Government will go a considerable way to ensuring our older veterans receive the support they desperately need in the years ahead and on behalf of the partner organisations I thank them for this generous award.”