How veterans feel and ensuring they are valued after service were among the aims of the first Scottish International Conference on Armed Forces.
The Veterans’ Foundation was a key sponsor of the event held by Edinburgh Napier University’s Centre for Military Research, Education & Public Engagement this summer.
The conference followed the setting up of the Scottish Armed Forces and Military Research Network, made possible with funding from the Veterans’ Foundation in 2022.
The five-day conference, entitled Identity, Purpose and Belonging, was held at the Napier University Craiglockart campus in August. It was led by Lead for Military Research, Professor Gerri Matthews-Smith, and administered by Dr Colin Macpherson.
It was attended by representatives of the Five Eyes (UK, Canada, USA, Australia and New Zealand) as well as Kosovo, Ukraine, Ireland and Greece, as well as academics and serving men and women and veterans.
All had the opportunity to participate in discussions during colloquiums across themes including, families, transition into civilian life, employment and training, the criminal justice system and mental health and wellbeing.
Prof Gerri Matthews-Smith, said: “The conference was much larger than we originally anticipated, which is testament to the importance placed on the needs of serving personnel and veterans.
“t is important that both groups feel that they are acknowledged and valued as key parts of our communities. It is just the beginning, and I feel sure we will continue to learn through these forums and grow as time goes on.”
CEO and founder of the Veterans’ Foundation, retired Major General David Shaw, attended the event, contributed to the round-table discussions and met veterans and other visitors and speakers.
“It was a lively event, and I am sure everyone came away having learned something useful,” he said.
“I am proud of how the grant we provided has been instrumental in helping understand what our armed forces community thinks and feels, to provide opportunity to address challenges before they become serious issues.
“I hope this is the first of many similar conferences and look forward to the findings they will help highlight.”