Tag: armed forces

Queen Camilla’s Reading Room thanks nations heroes with epic giveaway

QUEEN’S READING ROOM FESTIVAL SUPPORTS CHARITY WORKERS, TEACHERS, NHS STAFF AND THE ARMED FORCES FOR SECOND YEAR RUNNING

  • The Queen’s Reading Room charity, formed from the Instagram book club established by The the then Duchess of Cornwall in 2021, has released 2,000 free tickets for NHS staff, charity workers and the Armed Forces, to attend its second annual literary festival to be held at Hampton Court Palace on the 8th June
  • The ticket giveaway will mark the second year the Festival has supported nations heroes 
  • Charity boss Vicki Perrin says the giveaway is an opportunity to thank teachers, frontline workers and armed forces for everything they do, year round 

For the second year running, The Queen’s Reading Room has teamed up with Tickets For Good, Tickets For Troops and a selection of the UK’s literacy charities to donate 2,000 seats at its literary festival on the 8th June, in recognition of the outstanding work of NHS staff, charity workers, teachers and the Armed forces. 

This year’s ticket giveaway will be particularly relevant to members of the Armed Forces, as the West End cast of Operation Mincemeat – the musical based on the ‘secret’ mission which won us World War II – will perform on the main stage at this year’s Festival. 

CEO of The Queen’s Reading Room, Vicki Perrin, said: “Once again, we are delighted to be able to treat some of our nation’s heroes to a day out at Hampton Court Palace, on us. This is a way for us to say thank you for the brilliant work our teachers, front line workers and armed forces do, year round. 

“We hope that they enjoy our world-class live programming and that they come away inspired by the incredible authors, actors and experts with us at our festival.“

The Queen’s Reading Room Festival drew more than 8,000 visitors to its inaugural festival in 2023. The 2024 Queen’s Reading Room festival line-up will build on the success of last year’s event, which attracted visitors from all corners of the globe.

This year’s programme will see Miriam Margolyes take to the main stage in one of the Palace’s atmospheric Tudor courtyards to express her love and deep knowledge of Charles Dickens; Olivier winning actress Dame Harriet will join Helena Bonham Carter on the main stage for a very special edition of William Sieghart’s Poetry Pharmacy whilst Ken Follett will host Harlan Coben and Mick Herron for an exclusive session for thriller-fanatics, delving into Coben and Herron’s most secret and valuable tips for writing a story that will thrill, chill and fit the bill.

Visitors will be able to enjoy an array of street food, explore the stunning Palace on specially-created literary themed tours and tread the floors where Shakespeare once performed with his King’s Men; as well as wandering the sumptuous gardens bursting with life in summer and enjoying shows from our other headliners which include none other than Ann Cleeves, Elif Shafak, Kate Mosse and many, many others. 

The Queen’s Reading Room, launched as a charity by Her Majesty The Queen in February 2023, is on a mission to spread the joy and benefits of reading and have just published their first neuroscientific research study into the link between reading fiction and well-being. 

Highlights from the festival programme, which runs from 11am includes: 

Operation Mincemeat: A Musical Showcase

Brilliant comedy meets a fascinating true story in Operation Mincemeat: A New Musical. The year is 1943 and we’re losing the war. Luckily, we’re about to gamble all our futures on a stolen corpse.

Singin’ in the Rain meets Strangers on a Train, Noel Coward meets Noel Fielding, Operation Mincemeat is the fast-paced, hilarious and unbelievable true story of the twisted secret mission that won us World War II.

The question is, how did a well-dressed corpse wrong-foot Hitler? In this hour-long showcase of the award-winning musical, Operation Mincemeat, the cast will perform selected highlights from the West End show, before joining the creatives for a Q&A exploring the creation of the show and the writing process. 

William Sieghart presents his Poetry Pharmacy featuring Helena Bonham Carter and friends

Sometimes only a poem will do. In what is sure to be a mesmerising performance, Helena Bonham Carter, Clarke Peters and Dame Harriet Walter will explore poetry to ease any ailment: from loneliness, lack of courage, heartbreak, hopelessness, or even from an excess of ego…

In the years since he first had the idea of prescribing short, powerful poems for all manner of spiritual ailments, William Sieghart has taken his Poetry Pharmacy around the length and breadth of Britain, into the pages of the Guardian, onto BBC Radio 4 and onto the television, honing his prescriptions all the time. Join us as he brings the show to Hampton Court Palace for a very special Poetry Pharmacy.

Miriam Margoyles and friends: What the Dickens!

The inimitable Miriam Margolyes takes to the stage to express her love and deep knowledge of the little-known writer, Charles Dickens…

Expect her to be funny, fascinating and – let’s be honest – probably a little bit naughty as she commands an army of famous friends for an evening of great, great expectations. From Twist to Pip, from Bumble to Marley, Miss Haversham and Peggotty, the cast of great Dickensian novels will be brought to life with fanfare and flourish.

Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves and Lee Child: The Perfect Crime 

Three of our greatest living crime writers – Sir Ian Rankin, Ann Cleeves and Lee Child – take to the stage to discuss the crafting of a perfect crime. 

They’ll talk about the art of creating tension, the importance of reliable procedure and the difficulties that come hand in hand with long-term characters who develop a personality of their own…

Rev Richard Coles: The Golden Age Mystery 

Whether you know him from strutting his stuff on Strictly or ruminating on Radio 4, there’s no doubt that the Great British public loves the Reverend Richard Coles. 

His instantaneous humour, endearing personality and emotional openness has ensured an army of fans that keenly await the release of his mystery novels. 

Rev Coles will be talking to us about the mystery writers that have most influenced him over the years and how he continues to create these wonderful novels that resonate so strongly with his readers.

Kate Mosse presents: World War II – From Poland to Japan, Women Who Resisted

The incredible historical novelist Kate Mosse has adapted her one-woman show to perform a unique event for The Queen’s Reading Room Festival.  Kate has developed an hour-long talk with music and images, that centres on the extraordinary women of World War II who showed unwavering courage in the face of unprecedented adversity.  

From Irena Sendler, Yukiko Sugihara, Sophie Scholl and Renia Kukielka to Mary Elmes, Noor Inayat Khan and Violette Szabo, her talk brings to life some of the unforgettable heroines who stood firm against the evils of the Third Reich.

Dr. Tracy Borman: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed The WorldJoin the brilliant best-selling author, historian and broadcaster, Dr Tracy Borman, for an illustrated talk on her latest book: Anne Boleyn and Elizabeth I: The Mother and Daughter Who Changed History.

Tracy will reveal, with reference to original documents and artefacts, how Anne Boleyn influenced her daughter Elizabeth I, and the enduring legacy these two women have had on the course of English history. All set within the gorgeous backdrop of Hampton Court, one of the foremost authorities on Tudor England will bring this historical duo’s shadowed relationship to light.

Elif Shafak: The Ethical Novelist 

Celebrated novelist Elif Shafak joins us to discuss her latest novel There are Rivers in the Sky.  She’ll explore how one lost poem, two great rivers and three remarkable lives, could all be connected by a single drop of water.  She’ll examine the intricacies involved in writing about nature and the powerful hold that rivers can come to have over the imagination.  

Mary Beard and Alex Michaelides: On the Classics 

There are no two writers alive who are more suitable to discuss the complexities of the classical novel than Mary Beard and Alex Michaelides.  Original, amusing and fiercely intelligent; there isn’t a subject on earth that these two staggeringly insightful writers are too fearful to tackle.  Take to your seats, and enjoy the ride. 

Harlan Coben and Mick Herron: Thrilling and Chilling 

The adaptation of Harlan Coben’s ‘Fool Me Once’ has thrilled audiences as much as ‘Slow Horses’ based on Mick Herron’s novels have had the nation gripped. This special session will bring together the titans of thriller-writing, Harlan Coben and Mick Herron as they divulge their most secret and valuable tips for writing a story that will thrill, chill and fit the bill. Hosted by Ken Follett, Coben and Herron will discuss the excitement and terror involved in writing for the reader, before sitting down to watch your own literary creation on television. 

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Bookable literary themed tours of the Palace, along with a schedule of free book signings are available throughout the event.

The festival is a co-production between The Queen’s Reading Room and Historic Royal Palaces, the independent charity that cares for Hampton Court Palace. Proceeds will go towards the ongoing work of both charities. 

Tickets are available now via SEE tickets. [https://royalreadingroom.seetickets.com/content/ticket-options]

Edinburgh based reserves put through paces ahead of NATO training

Two Aberdeenshire born reserve soldiers from The Royal Regiment of Scotland have just returned home after completing an intensive weekend training exercise in the wild terrain and harsh weather conditions of the Pentlands.

Private David Gray (25), whose civilian job is a butcher, and Private Cameron Gillies (26), who works in Public Affairs in Edinburgh, spent their weekend undertaking the highly challenging patrol exercise designed to test the physical fitness and robustness, mental resilience, navigation, and military knowledge.

The soldiers took part in the exercise alongside other troops and had to navigate between a series of checkpoints and conduct a military task at each stand. One stand included a test of how quickly they could treat a casualty and extract them to a safe area 1km away from the incident point.

Troops will progress onto more arduous training in the months ahead and are currently working towards being selected for the Cambrian Patrol in Wales in October this year – widely considered to be NATO’s toughest patrolling test.

Private David Gillies, a reservist in the Royal Regiment of Scotland, said: “My civilian role is a different type of pressure, dealing with legislation and briefing politicians.

“The army reserve gives me the chance to do something completely different, to challenge myself and be surrounded with like-minded people who are committed to serving their country.

“Training weekends after a full working week is tough, but I love it – and it keeps me fit when I’m away from my desk”.

MSP welcomes tailored support for veterans across Edinburgh

SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald has welcomed the announcement that veterans and the families of those in the armed forces are to receive more tailored healthcare under a new scheme for GPs. 

The General Practice Armed Forces and Veterans Recognition Scheme is now open to GP surgeries across Scotland, including Edinburgh, following a successful pilot. It includes easy access to training materials setting out the specific issues these individuals face in clinical case to aid understanding of specific needs and the range of healthcare support that can be provided.  

This will better enable healthcare providers to focus on the specific health challenges they may face following military service. 

Commenting, SNP MSP Gordon Macdonald said: “The launch of this scheme will see more tailored, local support delivered across the wider city but is particularly important in the Edinburgh Pentlands constituency given the high numbers of forces families and veterans living there. 

“The SNP Scottish Government is taking meaningful action to support those who have served our country and continue to do so, along with their families, and this scheme will go a long way to addressing the specific challenges that these individuals face. 

“It is also important to recognise the huge sacrifice that so many have made to keep us safe, particularly as we approach Remembrance Sunday. 

“I encourage GPs both in the south west and the wider city who have not already done so to sign up so that more individuals and their families can benefit from this scheme.” 

60 members of The Royal Scots to commemorate a double anniversary

TODAY (Friday 30 June) 60 members of the proud Royal Scots Regimental Family will meet for an informal gathering at The Royal Scots Memorial Club in Abercromby Place to mark 40 years on from the regiment’s 350th anniversary celebration events in both London and Edinburgh in 1983, that marked the First of Foot’s 350 years of unbroken service to Sovereign and country.

All those taking part in this special Regimental event felt that this double anniversary should be recognised.

They all have a unique common bond of shared experiences. They were all members of the Royal Scots Regimental Family in 1983 for the events that marked a very significant milestone both in Pontius Pilate’s Bodyguard’s long and distinguished history, and the very significant service and sacrifice of those serving at the time.  The Royal Scots heritage is all about people, traditionally recruited from Edinburgh, the Lothians and Peebles, their stories, and their experiences.

Both the Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Mike Ashmore, and the Regimental Sergeant Major, RSM Ian Johnstone, will be attending the gathering.  The charity, Fares 4 Free, has enabled two Regimental widows, from Kilmarnock and Livingston, to attend.

Overview of 350th Anniversary events in 1983:

·       Royal Scots Train with serving Royal Scots and veterans from the two World Wars and more recent campaigns travelled to London for a Reception in the National Armoury on the 28th of March; 350 years to the day since the founding of The Royal Scots by Sir john Hepburn at Athelstaneford.

·       The 1st Battalion of The Royal Scots paraded in Holyrood Park, Edinburgh, for the Royal Review by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, and to Troop the Colour, on 30th June.

·       On 1st July The 1st Battalion of The Royal Scots, Royal Scots veterans, and contingents from their affiliated Gurkha and Canadian regiments, and Army cadets marched along Princes Street, where the salute was taken by HRH Princess Anne, who was appointed the Regimental Colonel in Chief at Holyrood Park the previous day.

·       Rededication of The Royal Scots Monument in Princes Street Gardens.

Colonel Mike Ashmore CBE (commanding officer, and parade commander, of the 1st Battalion on the Royal Review): “It was my privilege to command the 1st Battalion in 1983 and to be the Parade Commander on 30th June 1983 when her late Majesty the Queen took the salute at the Royal Review in Holyrood Park.  

“In her address to those present Her Majesty said that she was pleased to announce the appointment of Her Royal Highness Princess Anne, who was also at the parade, to be The Royal Scots Colonel in Chief.

“At the 300th anniversary in 1933 in Aldershot my father was the Adjutant of the 1st Battalion, so I felt doubly privileged to be able to take part in the 350th anniversary celebrations.  Incidentally my father was present at the 350th Royal Review and was in the audience for the March along Princes Street the next day.

“There were many other important events in and around Edinburgh marking the 350th, not least the the Marches through the towns where the Freedom had been granted, Peebles, Haddington, Musselburgh and Linlithgow.”

Major Ian Johnstone (RSM of Ist Battalion on the Royal Review in 1983): “My family have served in The Royal Scots for many generations.

“To have such an important role for the 350th celebrations was a wonderful experience that will never forget; I was so proud of all those Royal Scots on parade.”

Colonel Martin Gibson OBE DL (serving major at the time of the Review in 1983, and lead of the team who have organised the Gathering in 2023): “This is a very special gathering that will have everyone reflecting on their experiences and, in particular, of 40 years ago when every one of the 963 Royal Scots serving across the world was issued with a 1633- 1983 medallion.

“We are very proud that when The Royal Scots left the Army’s order of battle in 2006 after 373 years our Royal title and the privilege of being Right of The Line was carried forward by The Royal Regiment of Scotland, today’s Scottish infantry.

“We are very grateful to the veterans’ charity FARES4FREE for making it possible for three of those attending coming to the gathering to get here and enjoy renewing friendships.

“From our origins way back in 1633 to 2006 our unique story is told in our Regimental Museum within Edinburgh Castle.”

When it was disbanded in 2006 The Royal Scots, The Royal Regiment, was the oldest Infantry Regiment in the British Army, having been in the UK Order of Battle for 373 unbroken years.  

Having been involved in almost every campaign the British Army had taken part in since it formed in 1633, it had more than earned its title, First of Foot and Right of the Line (Most senior infantry regiment of the line in the British Army).

In 2006, The Royal Regiment of Scotland (SCOTS) was formed from its antecedent regiments, including The Royal Scots – from whom they inherited the Royal title and the privilege of being Right of The Line – and take forward the traditions and heritage as Scotland’s Infantry.

Supporting Scotland’s veterans

£500,000 for projects across Scotland

Seventeen projects across Scotland have been awarded funds totalling £500,000 to help ex-service personnel access support for physical and mental health, financial, employment and cost of living challenges.

The grant awards for 2023-24 are from the Scottish Veterans Fund, which has now provided more than £2.8 million to nearly 220 projects since 2008.

Veterans Minister Graeme Dey announced the funding awards while visiting Community Veterans Support in Glasgow. The organisation has been awarded £18,536 for its Warmer, Healthier, Safer Veterans project which is providing food, peer support and financial advice to veterans facing challenges as a result of the cost of living crisis.

Mr Dey said: “Scotland has a long and proud military tradition and we must ensure our veterans and their families continue to be supported during this cost of living crisis.

“I am grateful for the close-knit charity sector here in Scotland, and I’m continually impressed by the level, and quality, of support charities are providing. The excellent work of Community Veterans Support is a great example of what can be achieved.

“Each of the seventeen projects awarded funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund this year will make a real difference and will mean our veterans can get the help they need, when they need it.”

The Scottish Veterans Fund (SVF) was set up in 2008-2009 as the Scottish Government’s main means of directly supporting veterans in Scotland.

From 2022-2023 the fund has been increased to £500,000 annually, with organisations able to bid for up to £50,000 per project.

Below is a full list of projects which will receive SVF funding this year:

OrganisationProject TitleAmountProject Overview
Community Veterans SupportWarmer, Healthier, Safer Veterans£18,536Extend “Warmer Spaces” provision for veterans into evenings and weekends, including food, peer support and financial advice.
ErskineOne-Stop-Shop£13,450Extend provision of tailored financial advocacy, guidance and support to veterans through Erskine’s One Stop Shop.
Fighting with PrideThe Journey Home Project in Scotland£49,042Fund the introduction and development of the Veterans Standard Manager role in Scotland to build the community of LGBT veterans in Scotland and support developing capacity in services that can support that community.
FirstLightTrustSupporting the support£25,000Introduce a new support worker for the Hawick Hub to help develop support pathways for veterans impaired by physical or psychological trauma.
Forces Children ScotlandFuture Transitions | Financial Education for Civilian Life£38,624Develop a bespoke financial education service to support children, young people and parents in making the transition from military to civilian life.
Forces Employment CharityEarly Service Leavers – Scotland Co-Ordinator£50,000Continue pilot scheme from 2022-23, which introduced an Early Service Leavers co-ordinator for Scotland to provide dedicated employment support for this vulnerable cadre.
Lothian Veterans CentreWarm Welcome for veterans and their families£22,572Provide support in current cost of living crisis by opening warm hub for veterans and their families to provide food, heating and social interaction in a location that can provide onward access to other support.
Military Wives ChoirSupporting our Hidden Community£40,000Enhance level of support given to members in Scotland and to reach and recruit more members amongst women whose lives are currently impacted by their connection to the military.
On Course FoundationGolf skills and employment programme£16,344Deliver a sustainable golf skills and employment programme with confidence building events, peer networking and employment experience and opportunities.
RAF AssociationThe Battle Ahead£23,695Provide programme of support to ensure that no member of the RAF veterans community is left cold, hungry or lonely as a result of the cost of living crisis.
RAF Benevolent FundScottish Welfare Support Executive£17,032Provide welfare support to RAF veterans and their dependants with complex needs living in Scotland. Assess individual’s circumstances and create tailored support plans.
Salute my JobCareer Jumpstart Programme£41,700The Career Jumpstart Project aims to reskill jobseekers from the Armed Forces community  for employment in roles in greatest demand in public, private and third sector.
Scotland Bravest Manufacturing CompanyEnhanced Manufacturing Traineeship£50,000Provide opportunities for early service leavers and other veterans to obtain qualifications and sustainable employment with the support of a qualified trainer.
Scottish Veterans ResidencesOccupational Therapy to Improve Veterans’ Health and Wellbeing£43,150Employ a full time occupational therapist to support Veterans’ physical and mental health recovery and rehabilitation through the use of a holistic and biophysical approach.
SSAFAProfessional Support to Relieve the Cost of Living Crisis£10,000Partly fund the employment of a Regional Casework manager to better manage workload of case workers in Scotland to provide a more agile and individualised response to veterans.
Thistle Health and WellbeingMeaningful Connections£20,124Support 150 veterans and their families across Scotland who have been severely impacted by long term conditions, particularly early service leavers, medically discharged veterans and those with mental health needs.
Veterans Housing ScotlandTenancy Sustainment Service£20,000Expand pilot project to identify and support tenants at risk of tenancy failure.

Edinburgh adventure park hopes to raise £1k for emergency services with family-friendly heroes weekend

  • Edinburgh family attraction hosts weekend-long event dedicated to members of the armed forces and emergency services
  • Activities include an inflatable assault course, emergency service displays and tours of emergency vehicles
  • The £2.50 entry fee will be donated to charity

An Edinburgh adventure park is celebrating the country’s armed forces and emergency services with a Heroes Weekend on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 May.

Conifox Adventure Park in Kirkliston is inviting families along to the weekend event where they’ll meet members of the Army, Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Royal Marines, Police Scotland, Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, Scottish Ambulance Service and the RNLI, and have the chance to take part in interactive displays and various activities provided by the services.

Tickets to the event are only £2.50 and are available online at www.conifox.co.uk. All proceeds will go to charities that support service people and their families and, with plenty of family-friendly fun on offer, the attraction is hoping to raise more than £1,000 in donations over the weekend.

Some of the displays and activities available for kids and adults alike over the weekend include an inflatable Scots Guard assault course, decommissioned Royal Airforce weapons and various uniforms and protective gear that can be tried on.

Visitors will also get the chance to take a look inside ambulances, fire engines, police cars and other protection vehicles where the service personnel will be happy to answer any questions they might have.

For adults, there will also be recruitment information available for many of the services. There will also be food and drink available to purchase on the day.

James Gammell, Managing Director of Conifox Adventure Park said: “We appreciate the work and dedication of our armed and emergency services and want to celebrate their bravery with this charity event. We also know how exciting their jobs can be, and we wanted to bring that to our customers alongside some fun displays and activities.

“It’s a chance for us as a community to give back, and a chance for families to create memories that will last a lifetime. Who knows – it might even inspire some heroes of the future!”

Conifox Adventure Park is open to visitors Wednesday through to Sunday and tickets for both the Heroes Weekend, Adventure Park and indoor Activity Centre are available to purchase online at www.conifox.co.uk.

Military families to benefit from £3,000 of childcare support

Serving personnel across the UK will be entitled to free wraparound childcare from September as part of new measures announced today by Defence Secretary Ben Wallace.

  • Service families with children aged 4 to 11 years to benefit from wraparound childcare2
  • More than 20,000 service children will be eligible for 20 hours free childcare per week
  • Defence Secretary outlines further family support for UK Armed Forces personnel

The Wraparound Childcare (WAC) scheme will provide up to 20 hours per week of free childcare before and after school during term time for eligible military parents with children aged 4 to 11 years.

Its roll-out follows successful trials at pilot sites around the country over the last two years and from the Autumn school term will be open to more than 20,000 children across the UK.

While childcare costs vary across the UK, serving personnel are expected to save around £3,000 per child per year based on typical costs.

The wraparound childcare scheme provides practical support to some of the unique challenges faced by service families, such as frequent relocations that require military families to move home, find new schools and childcare provision, and adjust their lives. This is part of the Armed Forces’ commitment to being an inclusive, modern and flexible employer.

Defence Secretary Ben Wallace said: “Our Armed Forces personnel sacrifice a great deal in the service of their country and whether it is providing flexible working or accommodation options, I am determined they feel supported in their family life.

“Providing free wraparound childcare is another clear way of supporting the unique challenges they face as parents and will go a long way to helping them to enjoy a thriving family life as well as a thriving career.”

Corporal Vicki Taylor, Royal Air Force said: “Everyone I have spoken to who also benefits from wraparound childcare agrees that it’s a fantastic scheme. For my family it saved us financially, reduced our stress levels, and has given us more quality time with our children.

The wraparound childcare pilot scheme began in September 2020 and an expansion in September 2021 meant six sites – Woolwich Barracks, RAF High Wycombe and RAF Halton, Catterick Garrison, and in Lincolnshire and the Plymouth area – took part. Over 1,900 children benefited from support at these sites during the pilot.

This scheme is part of the wider package of support to service personnel and their families, as laid out in the Armed Forces Families Strategy, and has already had a positive impact on service families involved. Recent feedback shows an improvement in family wellbeing, increased contentment with service life for non-serving partners as well as the huge financial savings.

The Ministry of Defence is committed to supporting service families and has also introduced flexible working arrangements, expanded offerings to co-habiting couples and extended Help to Buy, giving our armed forces the chance to get a foot on the housing ladder.

Poppyscotland wins Gold award for supporting Armed Forces community

Poppyscotland has been recognised by the Ministry of Defence for its outstanding help with employment for members of the Armed Forces community.

The Edinburgh-based charity was awarded the Defence Employer Recognition Scheme (ERS) Gold Award, the highest badge of honour given by the MoD.

The charity is one of 16 businesses and organisations in Scotland to receive the Gold award, with the scheme now in its ninth year. Poppyscotland, and its subsidiary, Lady Haig’s Poppy Factory, which employs a number of veterans with disabilities, both achieved the Silver award last year.

The Defence Employer Recognition Scheme encourages employers to support the Armed Forces community and inspire others to do the same. It runs bronze, silver and gold awards for employer organisations that demonstrate their support.

To win the gold award, they must provide 10 extra paid days leave for reservists and have supportive HR policies in place for veterans, reserves, Cadet Force adult volunteers, and spouses and partners of those serving in the Armed Forces.

They must also advocate the benefits by encouraging others to sign the Armed Forces Covenant and engage with the Employer Recognition Scheme. The Covenant is a promise to treat current and former service personnel and their families fairly, in areas from healthcare to housing.

Poppyscotland is Scotland’s leading Armed Forces charity, providing a wide range of services, including advice, financial support, and help with physical and mental health issues.

Austin Hardie, Director of Poppyscotland, said: “As an employer working directly at the heart of the Armed Forces community, we felt it was important that we show leadership and highlight the many benefits this scheme brings to both employer and employee. 

“Being awarded the Gold recognition is testimony to the values of Poppyscotland and our commitment to those who have served and are serving currently.  By espousing these values publicly, we also hope that it will encourage others to be involved in our life-changing welfare work that we provide to those in need in the Armed Forces community in Scotland.” 

Leo Docherty MP, Minister for Defence People, said: “Regardless of size, location or sector, employing members of the Armed Forces community is good for businesses.

“These awards recognise the outstanding support for our armed forces from employers across the UK and I would like to thank and congratulate each and every one.”

Scottish winners will be honoured at a ceremony at Stirling Castle on November 3rd.

Pipers take centre stage for Falklands commemorations

Falklands veterans and their families gathered in Edinburgh yesterday (Saturday 18 June) to pay tribute on the 40th anniversary of the end of the conflict. They were joined by the Rt Hon Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh Robert Aldridge and Cabinet Secretary for Justice and Veterans Keith Brown MSP for the parade and remembrance service.

Hundreds lined the streets as the Band of Her Majesty’s Royal Marines and the Scots Guards Association Pipes and Drums marched along George Street before the service in St Andrew Square. Many Falklands veterans were among those taking part, including former Scots Guards drummer, Graham Hopewell, from Ayrshire.

At 11am, the bands were joined by more than 120 pipers across Scotland and as far away as Peru, New Zealand and the Falklands, to play “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” in unison. This tune was composed by Scottish Pipe Major James Riddell in the midst of the decisive battle on 13th June 1982, which led to the Argentine surrender and the end of the war the following day.

The commemorations were organised by Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, in partnership with the Armed Forces and the Scottish Government.

The Rev Dr Karen Campbell, National Chaplain of the Royal British Legion Scotland, and The Rev Angus Smith, former Padre to the 2nd Battalion Scots Guards who served in the Falklands, jointly led the service.

They remembered the 255 British servicemen who fell in the Falklands, as well as 649 Argentinian military personnel, three civilians, and thousands more who were wounded.

The conflict began on April 2nd, 1982, when Argentina invaded the British territory in the South Atlantic, and ended on June 14th, as British troops approached the capital, Stanley. It was the first military action since the Second World War which involved all elements of the British Armed Forces.

Following the service, wreaths were laid by the Lord Provost, Mr Brown MSP, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, a Falklands veteran and President of Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland, the Heads of all three Armed Services in Scotland, and the War Widows Association.

Participants then enjoyed musical entertainment from the two military bands, Legion Scotland Sweetheart Amy Hawthorn, Stuart McLean, Juniper 3 and Ellyn Oliver. The public were also able to enjoy exhibits from Legion Scotland, Poppyscotland, and many other organisations and associations.

Dr Claire Armstrong, Chief Executive of Legion Scotland, said: “It was heartening to see so many people come together today to pay tribute to all those who served in the Falklands. For veterans and their families, today was a very poignant day, as we remembered those who laid down their lives 40 years ago. Even now, many of those who served are still living with the physical and mental scars of the conflict.

“This was also an opportunity to recognise the extraordinary resilience of our Armed Forces community and the vital role they continue to play today. We’re delighted that people of all ages have engaged with our learning programme over recent months, taking the chance to find out more about the Falklands and other conflicts, and their impact on our recent history.

“It was particularly moving to hear the iconic pipe tune “The Crags of Tumbledown Mountain” being played at 11am, both here at St Andrews Square and by our global pipe band in all corners of the world.

“We would like to thank the City of Edinburgh Council and everyone else who has made today’s events possible, as well as the public for their support.”

Keith Brown MSP said: “I am delighted that we have been able to partner with Legion Scotland and Poppyscotland to deliver a commemoration which will provide the people of Scotland with an opportunity to recognise the sacrifices made 40 years ago in the Falklands War.”

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Sharing his memories of the long journey to the Falklands onboard the QE2, Rev Smith said: “We suddenly remembered what war entailed.  The question that was at the back of our mind was “would we or would we not return”. 

“But I had to go beyond that.  I had about 500 lads who were in the same position. These were the ones who were fighting, so it was up to me to help these people as much as possible.”

Reflecting on the 40th anniversary commemorations today, Rev Smith continued: “It has been one of the most wonderful experiences I’ve had in years.  The thought that has gone into this, it’s beautiful really. 

“The first person I met today was the wife of a great friend of mine, who was amongst the first men killed in the war.  We just looked at one another today, and we couldn’t speak.”

For more information of the Falklands 40 commemorative events programme visit www.poppyscotland.org.uk/Falklands40.

Falklands 40 | Remembrance | Royal British Legion