No review by veterans’ charity despite worries

Ex-serviceman says he would not allow his dog to live in one Scottish home

A charity which cares for homeless veterans has declined to hold a review into the conduct of its staff, despite the number of people raising concerns now stretching well into double figures.

An investigation by The Courier revealed earlier this month how Scottish Veterans Residences (SVR) had been accused of serious misconduct and bullying at its Rosendael facility in Broughty Ferry and Whitefoord House in Edinburgh.

A total of 16 people have now come forward to speak out, including a former Sergeant Major, ex-servicemen honoured by the Queen, residents, staff, families and a leading veterans’ care worker.

The Care Inspectorate has also launched fresh investigations into the charity in the wake of the story and has been liaising with adult support and protection workers.

A number of residents have reported that they are too scared to speak out for fear of being ostracised or evicted and The Courier has seen emails sent to chief executive Phil Cox pleading for an anonymous whistleblowing service to be introduced.

Rosendael’s deputy manager Neil Stewart confirmed no investigation had yet taken place into any of the concerns raised and Mr Cox said there were no plans to carry out a review or launch a formal whistleblowing service.

Former Sergeant Major Charlie Reid, who was with The Black Watch for 22 years, said he was forced to reach out to bosses after growing concern for veterans’ welfare at Rosendael. “I sent an email to the chief executive to complain about some of the residents going without meals,” he said.

“One veteran told me he was cold because the radiator in his room didn’t work.

“When I went there, I discovered it hadn’t been working for months.

“It’s just a complete lack of respect. They’ve made it very clear that if you complain, you’re out the door.”

SVR claimed Mr Reid, who is a wellknown campaigner for The Black Watch across Tayside, had never stepped foot in Rosendael “as far as we know” but admitted visitor records had not been checked.

Bosses accepted residents do sometimes go without meals but said welfare is consistently monitored.

Alastair McLean, 57, served in the Royal Army Medical Corps before working as a qualified nurse with the Scottish Ambulance Service for more than 10 years.

Mr McLean, who lives in Broughty Ferry but stayed at Whitefoord House, said SVR were “absolutely disgraceful in every aspect of their so-called care”.

“I was there for just over three weeks and that was all I could take – I had to spend the last part sleeping in my car,” he said.

“When I arrived, I spent three-and-ahalf hours cleaning my room and the filthy shower.

“There was mould everywhere and hair in the drains. I wouldn’t have a dog living there.”

Mr McLean claimed he raised the issue with staff at the front desk but SVR said it had no record of such a complaint being lodged.

Picture: Mhairi Edwards. Former Royal Army Medical Corps serviceman Alastair McLean was disgusted at the state of one of Rosendael’s homes when he stayed there.