That is why there are serious questions about the Scottish Government’s handling of its official X account.

At precisely 11am, as the United Kingdom fell silent to remember our fallen heroes, the Scottish Government’s X account posted a message to celebrate Bandi Chhor Divas, a Sikh festival.

There was no original Remembrance Sunday tribute made from the account, not a single one. Yet those running it somehow found time to post about other matters.

There is nothing wrong with recognising this Sikh festival; indeed more than 83,000 Sikhs died in the First and Second World Wars. But there is something very wrong with posting about it during the two-minute silence.

It’s important to know who was responsible for scheduling this post at 11am.

Was its timing deliberate, or was it an oversight? Why did the Scottish Government’s main X account not publish its own Remembrance tribute? And when did the First Minister become aware of what had happened?

These are straightforward questions and veterans deserve answers.

But instead, John Swinney chose to attack me, branding the legitimate questions about his government’s handling of the day as “disgusting”.

We need answers as to how this happened, but instead Swinney only gave personal attacks.

Scotland has a proud military history.

From the trenches of the Great War to the beaches of Normandy, from the Falklands to Afghanistan, generations of Scottish servicemen and women have answered the call.

Some sadly never came home.

Others returned bearing physical and psychological scars that they must live with for the rest of their lives.

We owe each and every one of them an enormous debt of gratitude and most of all we owe them our respect.

Remembrance Sunday is not an inconvenience for Government communications teams to work around. It is an opportunity for the country to stop, reflect and pay tribute to those who made the ultimate sacrifice.

This is not about scoring political points.

It is about ensuring that the people who fought and died for our country and never forgotten.

Swinney owes Scotland’s veterans, those currently serving in the Armed Forces, and the families of those who never returned a proper explanation.

If this was a genuine mistake from a civil servant responsible for running the Scottish Government’s X account, then fine. However, Swinney should hold his hands up, admit it and set out what steps he will take to ensure this never happens again.

Because those who have served under the Union flag deserve better than excuses.

John Swinney Owes Scotland’s Veterans Answers, Not Another Lecture

Scotland’s veterans deserve respect, recognition and practical support from the government they served. Yet growing frustration over the treatment of former members of the Armed Forces has placed First Minister John Swinney under renewed pressure to explain what his administration is doing to address the problems facing those who have served their country.

For many veterans, leaving the military does not mean leaving behind the challenges associated with service. Some struggle with physical injuries, psychological trauma, homelessness, unemployment and difficulties accessing appropriate healthcare. Others face financial pressures and uncertainty about where to turn when the support they need is unavailable.

Against this background, critics argue that veterans should not have to listen to another political lecture about the importance of remembrance and sacrifice. They want concrete answers about housing, healthcare, employment and the services available to former servicemen and women.

The controversy has raised wider questions about the Scottish Government’s responsibilities towards veterans and whether existing support arrangements are delivering meaningful results.

Veterans Deserve More Than Political Speeches

Politicians regularly speak about the courage and sacrifice of Britain’s Armed Forces.

Remembrance Sunday ceremonies, military commemorations and public statements provide opportunities to recognise those who have served.

However, veterans’ organisations argue that respect must extend beyond ceremonial occasions.

For former service personnel facing serious difficulties, a speech about patriotism offers little practical assistance.

A veteran struggling to find permanent accommodation needs access to housing support. Someone dealing with post-traumatic stress needs appropriate medical treatment. A former soldier attempting to return to civilian employment needs help translating military experience into recognised qualifications and career opportunities.

These are practical responsibilities that require sustained attention.

Critics of John Swinney argue that the Scottish Government must explain what it is doing to ensure that veterans receive appropriate assistance rather than relying on general expressions of gratitude.

The central question is whether the support promised by politicians is reaching the people who need it most.

The Challenges Facing Scotland’s Veterans

Thousands of former members of the Armed Forces live in Scotland.

Many successfully establish new careers and family lives after leaving military service. However, others experience difficulties adjusting to civilian life.

Military employment can involve demanding physical conditions, long periods away from family and exposure to traumatic situations.

When service ends, individuals may suddenly find themselves navigating an unfamiliar civilian environment.

Some struggle to secure employment because employers do not fully understand military qualifications or experience.

Others experience physical injuries that affect their ability to work.

Mental health difficulties can also create significant barriers.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety and depression can affect relationships, employment and everyday activities.

Veterans may also face problems accessing services because they do not always identify themselves as former service personnel when approaching healthcare providers or local authorities.

These challenges require coordinated support involving the NHS, councils, charities, employers and central government.

Homelessness Must Remain a Priority

One of the most serious concerns surrounding veterans’ welfare is homelessness.

Although most former service personnel do not become homeless, those who do can face particularly difficult circumstances.

Leaving the military may involve losing access to accommodation previously provided through service arrangements.

If someone also experiences relationship breakdown, unemployment, debt or mental health difficulties, the transition can become extremely challenging.

Veterans’ charities have repeatedly highlighted the importance of early intervention.

Preventing homelessness is considerably better than waiting until someone is sleeping rough before providing assistance.

Local authorities must be able to identify former service personnel who are at risk and connect them with appropriate housing services.

The Scottish Government should also ensure that councils understand their responsibilities and that veterans can access specialist advice.

Critics argue that ministers must provide clearer information about the effectiveness of existing programmes.

How many veterans are receiving housing assistance? How quickly are applications being processed? What happens when someone needs specialist accommodation or mental health support?

These are the kinds of questions that deserve detailed answers.

Mental Health Support Cannot Be an Afterthought

The psychological consequences of military service can continue long after an individual has left the Armed Forces.

Some veterans experience traumatic memories, nightmares, anxiety and difficulties maintaining relationships.

Others may struggle with depression, substance misuse or feelings of isolation.

Not every veteran who has experienced trauma will develop a mental health condition, but those who do require appropriate treatment.

Access to specialist support is therefore essential.

The Scottish Government and NHS Scotland have responsibilities for delivering healthcare services to people living in Scotland, including former members of the military.

However, veterans may require particular expertise and understanding.

Healthcare professionals need to recognise the potential effects of military experiences and understand how these may influence someone’s treatment requirements.

Veterans should not have to repeatedly explain their experiences to different services simply because organisations are failing to share information appropriately.

Better coordination between general practitioners, specialist mental health services and veterans’ charities could help ensure that people receive timely support.

Employment: Turning Military Experience Into Civilian Opportunities

Employment is another important part of successful military transition.

Former soldiers, sailors and air personnel often possess valuable skills, including leadership, technical expertise, teamwork, discipline and the ability to operate under pressure.

However, civilian employers do not always understand how military experience translates into workplace qualifications.

Some veterans may find themselves competing for jobs without being able to explain the full value of their previous responsibilities.

The Scottish Government has an opportunity to work with employers, colleges and training organisations to improve this situation.

Businesses should be encouraged to recognise military qualifications and provide pathways into industries where veterans’ skills are particularly valuable.

Scotland’s energy, engineering, transport, construction and security sectors may offer opportunities for former service personnel.

Supporting veterans into stable employment benefits individuals, families and the wider economy.

It also demonstrates that society values the experience and knowledge they gained while serving.

John Swinney’s Responsibilities as First Minister

John Swinney became First Minister of Scotland in May 2024.

His government has responsibilities across important areas affecting veterans, including housing, health, education, skills development and local government.

Defence policy itself remains primarily a matter for the UK Government.

This distinction is important because responsibility for veterans’ support is divided between different levels of government.

The UK Government manages areas such as Armed Forces pensions, defence compensation and many national military policies.

The Scottish Government is responsible for devolved services, including the NHS, housing policy and many aspects of education and employment support.

Consequently, effective support requires cooperation between Edinburgh and Westminster.

However, the division of responsibilities should not become an excuse for inaction.

Scottish ministers can still examine the quality of devolved services, identify gaps and work with UK departments to improve outcomes.

Veterans should not be left navigating complicated political arrangements while trying to access essential assistance.

The Need for Better Accountability

One of the most important demands from veterans’ representatives is greater transparency.

Governments frequently publish strategies and announce new initiatives, but the existence of a policy does not necessarily mean that it is working.

Ministers should be prepared to explain what measurable progress has been achieved.

This could include information about housing outcomes, access to mental health services, employment support and the experiences of veterans using public services.

Independent assessments could also help identify areas where improvements are required.

Veterans and their families should be involved in evaluating these programmes because they understand the practical difficulties that official reports may overlook.

The Scottish Government should also maintain meaningful relationships with organisations that provide frontline assistance.

Charities often identify emerging problems before they become visible through national statistics.

Their experience can help ministers develop policies that respond to real circumstances rather than political assumptions.

Remembering Service Means Supporting People

The debate over veterans’ welfare is ultimately about more than government departments and public spending.

It concerns the relationship between a country and the people who served it.

Military personnel accept responsibilities that most civilians will never experience.

They may spend months away from their families, work in dangerous environments and undertake duties involving considerable personal risk.

When their service ends, they should be able to expect fair treatment and access to appropriate public services.

This does not mean that veterans should receive unlimited resources or automatic priority over every other person facing hardship.

It means that their particular experiences and needs should be properly understood.

A fair system should identify those who require additional assistance and provide it without unnecessary bureaucracy.

Conclusion: Scotland’s Veterans Deserve Action, Not Empty Promises

John Swinney faces important questions about how effectively the Scottish Government supports former members of the Armed Forces.

Veterans need more than political speeches about courage, remembrance and sacrifice.

They need accessible healthcare, appropriate mental health treatment, secure housing, employment opportunities and clear routes to specialist assistance.

The First Minister cannot personally resolve every problem, and some responsibilities belong to Westminster rather than Holyrood.

Nevertheless, his administration has an important role in ensuring that devolved public services work effectively for Scotland’s veteran community.

The Government should explain what support is available, where shortcomings exist and what measurable improvements it intends to deliver.

Veterans should also have meaningful opportunities to influence decisions affecting their lives.

Ultimately, the value of a government’s commitment to former service personnel should be judged by the support they receive in everyday life, not simply by the words spoken at commemorative events.

Scotland’s veterans have already given years of service.

They should not have to spend the rest of their lives fighting unnecessarily for the assistance they need.

John Swinney owes them clear answers, practical solutions and accountability for the promises his government makes.