Fund reopens to help veterans and their families

A fund that aims to hep improve the lives of ex-servicemen and women and their families is open for business again.

The £200,000 Scottish Veterans Fund will this year take bids from projects that recognise the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic.

More than 170 projects have been supported since the fund was set up in 2008, with awards totalling more than £1.6m.

It is supported by the Scottish Government and Standard Life Aberdeen.

Veterans minister Graeme Dey said: “This year, as usual, we will be looking to support projects which provide unique and innovative approaches to aiding our veterans community.

“In addition – and in recognition of the significant impact of coronavirus – we are also looking to support projects that are rising to the challenge of safely providing support for veterans and their families despite lockdown restrictions.”

Sandy MacDonald, head of corporate sustainability at Standard Life Aberdeen, said: “We are delighted to once again be partnering with the Scottish Government and Veterans Scotland to support the Scottish Veterans Fund and help veterans and their families to thrive after their military service, for the benefit of our communities and our civilian workforce.”

Chris Hughes, executive chairman of Veterans Scotland, said the body is “delighted to see the continuation of this support to those leaving the service, veterans and their families”.

He added: “It is particularly welcome and important in the current difficult circumstances and additional challenges faced by all in that community and more widely.”