Games tickets for veterans

COMMONWEALTH Games tickets will be given to veterans, a Scottish Government minister has announced.

Keith Brown MSP made the announcement at Dundee’s Rosendael veterans’ home yesterday.

Mr Brown said: “This is an opportunity for us to say a big thank you to veterans who have served with honour and distinction for their country.

“Glasgow 2014 will be an incredible sporting spectacle which will put our country on the international map, it is only right that ex-service personnel should be given the chance to be a part of this momentous event.”

Situated in Broughty Ferry, Rosendael veterans’ home caters for 45 ex-servicemen of all ages.

The home is part of the Scottish Veterans Residences, who provide accommodation and support to around 200 former service personnel and their spouses nationally.

Phil Cox, chief executive of SVR, said: “The Scottish Veterans Residences supports all UK veterans including those from Commonwealth countries who served in HM Forces.

“I’m sure that our residents will relish the opportunity to enjoy the spectacle and atmosphere of the Commonwealth Games in Glasgow and this gift of tickets is very much appreciated.”

Veterans Scotland, the membership organisation for charities with an interest in supporting ex-service personnel, will allocate the tickets to veterans who have made a significant contribution to the veterans’ community.

Veterans Scotland general secretary Jim Wilson said: “The offer of these tickets marks the acknowledgement of the personal sacrifices veterans from across the Commonwealth have made during their service in the armed forces.

“Most veterans foster a keen interest and participate in a variety of sporting activities whilst serving, in order to remain fit for operational duties.

“It is with thanks these tickets are accepted on behalf of the veterans’ community in Scotland,” explained Mr Wilson.

Mr Brown announced the 200-ticket giveaway after speaking to ex-service personnel who stay at Rosendael.

David Cameron, 81, an RAF veteran, said: “I have been here for a year. It is great.

“I am registered blind but the staff here do all my paperwork, which is a great help.

“I always wanted to be here and when I found out that I could, it was fantastic. They do a great deal for me that I just could not do on my own,” he added.

And 90-year-old John Cumming, who began his military career during the Second World War, agreed.

He said: “I have been here for almost four years.

“The community, the food, the staff and all that goes with it are fantastic.”

“I am so grateful to be here,” he added.

Picture: Dave Martin. Scottish Veterans Minister Keith Brown with veterans, from left, Ben Laird, Kings Own Scottish Borderers; Peter Tew, RAF; and Chris McIntosh, Royal Corps of Transport.

Picture: Getty. Paralympic gold medallist Aled Davies carries the Queen’s Baton up Mount Snowdon during the Glasgow 2014 baton relay yesterday in Wales.