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Support for military personnel
05/05/2009
Heads of the Army, Navy and RAF in Scotland joined the First Minister and the Scottish Ministerial team at St Andrew's House today to discuss the Scottish Government's continuing support for military personnel and veterans.
This 'unprecedented meeting' on social issues for service men and women was attended by Ministers across all portfolio areas.
The meeting focused on the Government's commitment paper, which outlines work to support military personnel through improving access to housing, health, transport, education and training.
The meeting was attended by three military chiefs: Rear Admiral Martin Alabaster (Flag Officer Scotland, Northern England and Northern Ireland), Brigadeer David Allfrey (Commander of 51 (Scottish) Brigade) and Air Commodore Harry Atkinson (Air Officer Scotland).
The First Minister said:
"The Scottish Government is committed to improving the lives of men and women who are serving their country, now or in the past.
"We are doing all that we can, in partnership with the Ministry of Defence and the wider veterans and armed forces community, to improve access to services such as housing, health care, transport, education and training.
"Last summer, the Scottish Government published its commitments paper which outlines support for military personnel and veterans.
"This unprecedented meeting between Scottish Minister and military chiefs will help us take forward work to address social welfare issues and improve the lives of serving servicemen and women, veterans and their families."
Major General David MacDowall said:
"Real progress was made today and we continue to forge close working relationships with Scottish Ministers and MSPs. We welcome the commitment being made by the Scottish Government.
"The goal we have in common is to make real improvements for our military men and women serving in Scotland. They put their lives on the line to make Britain and the world a safer place, and truly deserve our gratitude and support."