Breakfast club serves up sense of comradeship

veterans: Scheme offers get-together for old sailors, soldiers and airmen

The provost of Angus joined fellow veterans for a hearty breakfast to toast the success of a scheme which brings them together and boosts their sense of comradeship in civilian life.

Ronnie Proctor, who spent his life in the uniform of The Black Watch, visited the Forfar Legion to meet old soldiers, sailors and airmen who attend its regular weekend get-togethers.

Mr Proctor, a retired Black Watch major, has taken a keen interest in the breakfast club.

He said its value should not be underestimated as a social lifeline for people in the community who might struggle with isolation as the years pass.

The Forfar Legion – formed in 1921 and Scotland’s oldest known branch – hosts breakfasts every few weeks as part of a rota, which also includes events in Arbroath and Dundee.

Kirriemuir and Dean Conservative councillor Mr Proctor said: “These were set up as an opportunity for veterans to get together, share a coffee and a breakfast and basically get out and about to meet other people with whom they could perhaps share memories of their own experiences.

“I personally feel it is a great idea. This sort of thing takes a little bit of time to get going, but it really has gathered a bit of pace now and there can be almost 40 veterans coming along on a Saturday morning.

“Forfar host it in their own Legion building, which encourages people to go there and that is good for the branch.”

Mr Proctor said he was particularly pleased to see the scheme attracting veterans from all parts of the service.

“We have soldiers from the likes of The Black Watch and Royal Engineers and veterans from the Navy and RAF, and it is great to see them looking forward to getting together and reminiscing,” he added.

Legion Scotland HQ, along with 13 other agencies, has recently launched a campaign to help the “Unforgotten Forces”, involving veterans and their partners over the age of 65.

With £4 million from the Aged Veterans Fund, the three-year programme aims to help with advice, access to healthcare, respite and creative activities and events for those in care settings.

The money will also allow the appointment of five veterans’ community support co-ordinators across the country.

Picture: Gareth Jennings. Fiona Nicholson serves David Edwards, 63, (45 Commando) his breakfast.