Work of Highland Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership praised

Members of The Highland Council have welcomed the work of the Highland Armed Forces Community Covenant Partnership and endorsed the partnership’s future priorities.

At a meeting of The Highland Council yesterday (17 December 2015) Convener of The Highland Council, Councillor Isobel McCallum thanked the Council’s Armed Forces Veterans Champions , Councillors Carolyn Caddick and Allan Duffy who have shared the role for the last few years and praised the achievements of the Partnership.

She said: “It is really gratifying to know that we are viewed by the military in Scotland as one of the leading Local Authorities in the implementation of the Armed Forces Community Covenant. As well as clearly demonstrating our commitment to strengthening links between the armed forces and communities in the Highlands, the partnership has led to results on the ground as we have been able to draw down significant funds. One example is that earlier this year, through the partnership, we were able to build five adapted homes for disabled veterans and welcome them and their families to Inverness.”

She added: “None of this would have been possible without the hard work and dedication of all the partnership members. At this time of year our thoughts also go to our serving forces and their families who are on duty and who face the festive season apart.”

The Armed Forces in Highland are extremely active in supporting and engaging in local events. As well as Remembrance Day and Armed Forces Day event throughout the Highlands, armed forces representatives have been involved in the Kirking of the Council, the Scottish Cadet Forces Piping Competition, WW1 Commemoration day and in October this year the Freedom of the Highlands bestowed on the Royal Regiment of Scotland.

In October 2012 The Highland Council signed the Highland Armed Forces Community Covenant along with twelve other partners – the Armed Forces Community; Highlands and Islands Enterprise; Highlands and Islands Fire and Rescue Service; Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association; Highland Third Sector Interface; Job Centre Plus; NHS Highland; Northern Constabulary; Royal British Legion Scotland; Scottish Natural Heritage; SSAFA (Soldiers’, Sailors’ and Airmen’s Families Association) Forces Help; and the University of the Highlands and Islands.

The Covenant is a statement of support between the armed forces and the civilian community. The aim is to encourage support for the service community in a local area and raise awareness of issues affecting service personnel. A copy of the Highland Council Covenant can be found here.

A new Veterans Champion for The Highland Council will be elected in January.