Support the Gurkhas who have been serving Britain for 200 years

AS a retired army officer who had the honour and pleasure to serve with the Brigade of Gurkhas I have been extremely disappointed at the lack of coverage of the anniversary celebrating the 200 years of loyal and courageous service of these remarkable soldiers. On April 24, 1815 the British East India Company formed the first battalion of Gurkha soldiers and on April 25. 2015 a disastrous earthquake took place in Nepal. I cannot help but think that the gods were displeased and wanted to draw our attention to this beautiful country with its wonderful people. Alas, it is always the innocent who have to suffer.

We in Scotland have a responsibility towards Nepal and its people. The influence of Scottish officers in the Brigade of Gurkhas from its very beginning until the present day has been considerable. You just have to look at the tartans selected by the various Gurkha regiments as their very own, to say nothing of their exemplary pipes and drums. There are many close relations with Scottish regiments such as the Gordon Highlanders, the King’s Own Scottish Borderers and the Cameronians (Scottish Rifles), regiments which have since been disbanded.

In the current crisis appeals have gone out from various institutions, particularly the Disasters Emergency Committee and they must be fully supported. However, I am interested in a particular group of veterans and their families.

The Gurkha Welfare Trust is looking after 6,667 Gurkha veterans, of whom more than 3,200 are aged over 80. These people, many of whom served throughout the Second World War, but whose service was insufficient to earn an official Army pension, are cared for by the trust which provides a welfare pension of £53 a month. In addition it has established area welfare centres around the mountainous country where the pensions are issued and medical care can be had. In emergencies, grants can be made to rebuild or repair houses after earthquakes , landslides or fires. Furthermore, in conjunction with other bodies action is being taken to build and repair schools as well as providing fresh water facilities in villages. The trust has also built two retirement homes for veterans no longer able to cope for themselves.

These veterans have sacrificed much for us. Let us now repay their loyalty and courage. Hugh H McLean, 14 Shawfarm Apartments, 64 Newtonlea Avenue, Newton Mearns.