Projects that help military veterans and their families return to civilian life will share an award of £80,000.

The funding was announced by housing minister Keith Brown, a former Marine who served in the Falklands, to support 11 schemes across Scotland.

Among the projects receiving funds is the Thistle Foundation in Craigmillar, Edinburgh, which was granted £10,000 for its lifestyle management course.

Veteran Alex Lamont, who served in Northern Ireland and the Gulf War, has already completed the course.

He said: "I don't know where I'd be without Thistle Foundation. There are a lot of former service personnel out there needing help and I just hope more of them can get to hear about this course because it's changed my life."

Diana Noel-Paton, chief executive of the charity, said: "We started as a charity supporting wounded soldiers after World War II, so it's fantastic that our current work with veterans not only gives us a chance to link back to our roots, but also is being recognised as relevant and much-needed."

The charity was founded in 1944 by Sir Francis and Lady Isabella Tudsbery in memory of their son Robin Tudsbery, a lieutenant in the Royal Horse Guards (Blues), who died in the last days of the Second World War.

The award was given four days before the anniversary of his death. The charity will be celebrating its 68th anniversary this weekend.

Mr Brown was visiting the project on Tuesday when he announced the funding.

He said: "Our veterans have served our country and it is right and fitting that we support them when they retire from active service. Programmes like the lifestyle management course provide a crucial service helping people readjust to their new lives.

"The professionalism, dedication and continued assistance is second to none at Thistle Foundation and through donations and funding from the Scottish Government Scottish Veterans Fund, I am delighted that their work will continue to support Scottish veterans."

Other awards include £2499 for Gardening Leave in Dundee, which offers horticultural therapy, to £10,000 for Health in Mind, which helps families cope with veterans affected by mental illness.

The SSAFA Forces Help was given £9359 to train volunteers while £10,000 was awarded to Veterans Scotland for housing research. Glasgow's Helping Heroes received £5732.

£2499 was given to Gardening Leave in Dundee, which offers horticultural therapy and £10,000 for Health in Mind, which helps families cope with veterans affected by mental illness.