A leading national charity is calling on politicians from all parties to take urgent action in providing better support to those in the Armed Forces community.
Poppyscotland has today (Tuesday, February 10th) launched the charity’s second manifesto ahead of May’s Scottish Parliamentary elections.
The manifesto identifies five key areas for improving the support available for serving and ex-serving military personnel in Scotland. These include the expansion of the Armed Forces Covenant, Education, Childcare, Health and Housing.
The first key area Poppyscotland is calling for action on is keeping the Armed Forces Covenant Promise. This sets out the obligation that the Armed Forces community must not face disadvantage because of their service and that those who have given the most, including the injured and bereaved, receive special consideration.
Poppyscotland is also calling on the Scottish Government to implement a clear, accessible programme to promote the Armed Forces Covenant, backed by appropriate resources, practical guidance, and robust evaluation.
Another key area is support for Armed Forces families. Poppyscotland is calling on the Scottish Government to ring-fence funding for service children with additional support needs, to help address the specific challenges of Armed Forces life.
The manifesto also calls for the Scottish Government to actively promote participation in the GP Armed Forces and Veterans Recognition Scheme, which aims to improve identification and support for veterans within primary care.
Poppyscotland chair, Helen Owen, explained: “The 2026 election is an important opportunity for the new Scottish Parliament to prioritise the needs of the Armed Forces community.
“This manifesto provides clarity and focus around the issues we believe to be of greatest importance, as well as setting out in detail how we feel these recommendations can be taken forward by the next Scottish Government. It has been informed by evidence and experience and it is our hope that by working with all parties, we can ensure that the unique contribution of the whole Armed Forces community is given the recognition it deserves.”
Other recommendations focus on improving the quality of mental health support available to veterans; ensuring the needs of the Armed Forces community’s childcare requirements are met at a local level; and that the Scottish Government must build on its commitment to tackling and preventing homelessness for those who have previously served in the Armed Forces.
Poppyscotland provides life-changing support to the Armed Forces community. Money raised from the annual Scottish Poppy Appeal and the charity’s year-round fundraising enables Poppyscotland to deliver support to members of the Armed Forces community in Scotland by providing tailored support and funding.
Poppyscotland also funds services in advice, employment, housing, mental health and mobility.
