ELECTION 2021: Findlater hails Tory veterans' Bill proposal
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CONSERVATIVE candidate and Armed Forces veteran Mark Findlater has welcomed a series of pledges in the party's manifesto to support Scotland's military personnel.
These include an Armed Forces and Veterans Bill.
The Bill will further enshrine the Armed Forces Covenant into law in Scotland.
Mr Findlater, who is also a Troup councillor and Banffshire and Buchan Coast candidate, said the move would ensure military personal from across the north-east are guaranteed access to a variety of key services and products such as education, jobs, healthcare and the property market.
The Bill will enhance support for transitioning to civilian life and make the best use of their talents — thereby benefitting our communities and economy.
Mr Findlater said the Scottish Conservatives intend use Holyrood's devolved welfare powers to create a new top-up benefit for veteran households in receipt of Universal Credit.
In addition, there would be new Help to Buy scheme, with specific provision for veterans and their families to make Scotland home.
Mr Findlater, who served for 23 years in the Royal Corps of Signals, Military Intelligence and Bomb Disposal, said: “I’m delighted the needs of veterans are being met and recognised by the Scottish Conservatives.
“The men and women who represent their country need to have the assurances that they will be treated fairly when they finish their service.
“I was a serviceman for 23 years and I know how vital it is to have a transitional link for people leaving the armed forces and contemplating their next move in life.
“Praise for their work is not enough – support must be given now, not later with too many veterans and their families being failed under the current Scottish Government regime.
“The sacrifices these men and women have given to our wonderful country cannot go unnoticed and their role during the nation’s most recent time of need, Covid-19, cannot be overstated.
“From setting up hospitals and ensuring that mobile testing units were available, to supporting care homes and rural areas with local testing in areas such as Banff and Peterhead – they were there for us.”
Also standing in the Banffshire and Buchan Coast constituency are: Karen Adam (SNP); Jason Duncan (Freedom Alliance); David McHutchon (Restore Scotland); Alison Simpson (Lib Dem); Georgia Strachan (Labour).
