The interests of military veterans in Scotland will be championed by a new “tsar” – the first role of its kind in the UK.
Former Royal Marine turned Scottish Government minister Keith Brown said a new Scottish veterans commissioner would ensure that about 408,000 ex-forces personnel got help to address the challenges they faced.
The person appointed to the position will work with service charities, local authorities and health boards to identify areas which might provide greater support to veterans, many of whom have psychological and physical problems.
The announcement was welcomed by MSPs, who said more details of the tsar’s remit must be published to ensure he or she has the powers to make a real difference.
Veterans Minister Mr Brown, who served in the Falklands conflict, said: “This new commissioner will be a radical innovation, acting as an ambassador for veterans and helping to remove the barriers that prevent ex-servicemen and women from realising their full potential.
“As well as addressing the needs of veterans who are particularly disadvantaged, the commissioner will develop a wider focus on unlocking the potential of veterans, so their unparalleled skills and experience benefit Scotland.”
Colonel Martin Gibson, the chairman of Veterans Scotland, which represents 57 charities and organisations which support veterans of all ages, welcomed the announcement.
“This strong commitment by the government will allow the commissioner to further harmonise the services and support right across the public sector available to veterans throughout Scotland,” he added.
The government said it was committed to addressing the health, housing, education and justice needs of the armed forces and had invested more than £7million to support them.
The sum includes about £2million for a new national prosthetics service to meet the needs of military amputees, which will open in April.
Mr Brown vowed that the government would not “rest on its laurels” and would do more to support veterans and their families in the future.
North-east Conservative MSP Alex Johnstone said he welcomed the new role but had some concerns.
“If this appointment, like some in the past, is an appointment which will be gradually subsumed into another responsibility and watered down, then it may actually have the effect of making things more complicated,” he added.
Orkney Lib Dem MSP Liam McArthur claimed the veterans minister had not yet provided compelling evidence about the case for a commissioner.
“My concern is that this may divert funding away from support for other organisations and initiatives,” he added.
A government spokeswoman said: “The projected budget is set at £250,000 per annum and will be roughly similar in size to the Scottish Roadworks Commissioner.”
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