Criticism over Fife’s ‘last minute’ salute to armed forces

Veterans are feeling ‘forgotten’ at lack of events in kingdom

Veterans have criticised Fife’s response to Armed Forces Day as “last minute”.

One ex-serviceman said some former soldiers felt “forgotten” by a lack of events in the region to commemorate the day, which is held each year to show support for the forces.

Steve Gresty, a founder member of Fife Veterans Association, called for Fife Council’s newly appointed Armed Forces Community Champion Rod Cavanagh to address the situation.

“It always seems to be a last minute decision to do something on Armed Forces Day,” he said.

“A lot more could be done considering the military history around this area.

“At the moment, because there’s no Afghanistan in the news, it is like things have been put on the back burner until something else happens.

“Military life is like that. One minute you’re a hero and next minute you’re a zero and just a drain on resources.”

This year a flag raising ceremony was held outside Kirkcaldy Town House on the Wednesday before Armed Forces Day.

Fife Veterans Association was informed about the event but others, including local MSP David Torrance, were not.

Mr Gresty said midweek events ruled out veterans who were working, and weekend events would get more people involved. A senior Liberal Democrat councillor has welcomed a new one-stop service for armed forces veterans in Fife.

Group leader Tim Brett, a member of the Fife Health and Social Care Partnership, said: “At the most recent partnership meeting I was pleased to learn that a new one-stop service was being provided for veterans from any of the armed services.”

Drop-in centres are available in Kirkcaldy and Dunfermline, though the service can also be accessed via phone, email or the website.

One-to-one appointments are available in a range of places in Fife for those who cannot travel and access support is available from various military charities and can be arranged by the V1P support workers.

The V1P service is being temporarily funded through LIBOR funds, distributed via the Scottish Government.

He added: “Not every veteran wants to walk down the High Street with a band in front because that can sometimes bring back memories.

“Just to be seen to be thanked is more than enough.”

One veteran who contacted The Courier said he was disgusted at the lack of Armed Forces Day events in Fife.

He said: “In other places in Scotland they have big parades and open days, and make a big family day of it.

“There’s a huge military and ex-military community in Fife and they have just been forgotten.”

Mr Torrance said: “The general feeling is there is not enough done to promote Armed Forces Day.”

Linda Bissett, head of democratic services at Fife Council, said: “Like many other areas across the country, we mark our support for Armed Forces Day with a flag raising event and civic reception hosted by the Provost of Fife.

“This is promoted as part of the national programme of Armed Forces Day events and we also look forward to planning a special commemorative event next November to mark the centenary of the end of the First World War, as we did in 2014 to mark the start of the First World War commemorations.”

Mr Cavanagh added: “I believe that it is extremely important that we mark Armed Forces Day in a full and meaningful way.

“It is our way of showing our appreciation of the personal sacrifices made by our armed forces and their families on our behalf, past and present.

“We owe them a huge debt of gratitude for their continuous commitment to the defence of this country.”

Pipes and drums from 7 Scots parade through Kirkcaldy during a previous Armed Forces Day.