More funds for veterans charity

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A charity that helps support war veterans with mental health problems has been given £2.8m of Scottish Government funding.

Combat Stress will use the money to improve access to a treatment centre, Hollybush House in Ayr.

The centre uses therapies such as counselling, cognitive behaviour therapy and anxiety management.

The charity welcomed the two-year funding announcement, saying it would lead to better treatment for veterans.

Fundraising director Robert Marsh said: "These problems can require very specialist interventions and Combat Stress is uniquely placed to be able to offer this type of care.

"The opportunity to enhance and expand the outreach services in Scotland will bring added benefits and reach many more veterans living in the community than before."

"Valued partner"

Public Health Minister Shona Robison said: "Putting £3m into these services will ensure that veterans who experience mental illnesses, such as post-traumatic stress, have the right help in the right place and are supported by people who understand what they are going through.

"This agreement strengthens our partnership approach to care and brings greater funding certainty and security to Combat Stress as a valued voluntary sector partner."

Ms Robison said the Scottish Government had already introduced measures aimed at improving the lives of veterans, including priority NHS treatment and guidance for social landlords on allocating housing.

She added: "We will continue to find new ways to provide support for veterans in Scotland."