
The NHS has specific support services for veterans in Scotland. The site also includes information about the programmes and initiatives that veterans in Scotland can access for support.
Family and friends of veterans will also get helpful information on the website. Links and information can be found from the Ministry of Defence, Veterans UK and Veterans First Point.
In Scotland, there are around 15,000 serving personnel and reservist personnel and it is estimated that the veteran’s population, including all the former National Service personnel, is around 260,000 people strong.
As many as 20% of the Scottish population are thought to have an armed forces connection (as at 2014), like a family member who is serving or is a veteran.
Approxiamately 2,000 people leave the Services every year and settle in Scotland, of whom about 100 have been medically discharged. On average 65 of these will have a musculoskeletal disorder (for example knee or back pain), on average 12 will have a mental health problem and around 10 will have been seriously injured on operations.
The NHS support services are available to view on their website here.