The Courier & Advertiser (Perth and Perthshire Edition)
Local authority signs covenant pledging support to armed forces
Document reflects public commitment to defence personnel
A long-standing commitment to support those who have served in the armed forces, and their families, has been reaffirmed by Perth and Kinross Council with the signing of the armed forces covenant.
The covenant recognises the sacrifices made by the armed forces, and the need to work with businesses, councils, charities and community organisations to support the forces through services, policy and projects.
At a local level, the document declares mutual support between the civilian community and its local armed forces and reflects a public commitment by the council to support defence personnel, provide a supportive environment for reservists and be a strong advocate of the armed forces.
Provost Dennis Melloy signed the covenant at the council’s High Street headquarters together with Ron McGregor, Highland Reserve Forces regional employer engagement director, and Lieutenant Colonel Matthew Sheldrick, 51 (Highland) 7th Battalion, Royal Regiment of Scotland.
“We have a proud tradition of support for the armed forces here in Perth and Kinross, and in recent years we have looked closely at how we can best support current serving personnel, veterans, reservists and cadets alike,” said Mr Melloy.
“In signing the armed forces covenant today we reaffirm our commitment to them and the value we place in their contribution to society.”
Councillors on the strategic policy and resources committee outlined earlier how the council has continued, since the signing of the initial armed forces community covenant in 2012, to work closely with local armed forces organisations and representatives in a range of ways to support both serving personnel, veterans and reservists and cadets who are council employees.
Also highlighted at the meeting was the council’s successful nomination for the silver award in the Armed Forces Employer Recognition Scheme, which will be presented at a formal ceremony in Edinburgh Castle on November 2.
In signing the armed forces covenant today we reaffirm our commitment to them and the value we place in their contribution to society. ANGUS PROVOST DENNIS MELLOY