The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Army duo take to the hills for live exercise in comradeship
Black Watch soldiers set up walking group in bid to help veterans struggling to cope
A pair of Black Watch corporals have set up a walking group to help veterans and serving personnel.
Craig Laughland and Henry Hanlin set up the group, Hills and Minds, shortly before lockdown came into force.
The group’s walks take place at different spots all over Scotland to help people who are struggling and are open to everyone.
Craig said: “Henry and I started a hill and dog walking group to help veterans and serving personnel who had lost touch with each other.
“The group could also be a helpful tool for anyone either still serving or a veteran who has fallen on tough times, be that either physically, mentally or financially.
“We understand through the experiences of close friends that once you lose that support network as you leave the forces, it can be detrimental to the mental health of those affected.
“We are non-judgmental and, although primarily a veterans and serving military group, we are open to all – civilians included.
“We believe if we can help that one person struggling then it would all be worth it.”
The duo have been in The Black Watch 3SCOTS since 2011.
Henry is in the Signals Platoon, while Craig has just spent two years as an instructor at ITC Catterick training new infantry recruits.
Craig added: “We believe there are lonely veterans struggling who are maybe slipping through the net and we intend to help as much as we can.”
The next Hills and Minds walk will take place on Saturday at Benarty Hill in Fife. Further details can be found on the group’s Facebook page.