A comprehensive new guide to support services for the armed forces community in the Highlands and Islands and Moray has been published by a national charity.
Poppyscotland’s manual, Northern Pathways: A guide to services for the armed forces community in the north of Scotland, provides information on housing, money, employment, education and training, healthcare and wellbeing.
It aims to provide advice and support to those who have served, those still serving and their families living across the north in line with the national armed forces covenant.
Contact details have been included for local councils and NHS boards, social agencies and housing associations and for military and non-military charities.
Writing in the foreword, Scottish Government Veterans Minister Keith Brown MSP said: “The Highlands of Scotland and the surrounding areas have always been a strong recruiting ground for the armed forces… with research suggesting that the north of Scotland is home to approximately 20% of Scotland’s armed forces. It is therefore essential that we empower these individuals with the knowledge of the support that is available to them and I firmly believe that this guide achieves this.”
Councillor Chris Tuke, armed forces champion for Moray Council, said: “Over the past year to 18 months, Highland and Moray councils have worked closely with Poppyscotland, the Island Authorities and numerous other agencies and charities to produce a comprehensive guide to services available in the north of Scotland.”
Highland Councillor Roddy Balfour said: “All at Poppyscotland are doing a great job and this guide is just another example of the fantastic work being done. This guide is a valuable tool for all in the armed forces community and I am very encouraged to see it being brought to fruition.”
