Scotland: The Scottish Veterans Fund has re-opened for applications - applications close Friday 20th November

The Scottish Veteran's Commissioner:

I'm pleased to share that the small grants stream of the Scottish Government's Scottish Veterans Fund has re-opened for applications.

A total of £100,000 is available for the next financial year, with organisations able to bid for up to £10,000 for one year projects that:
✅ support veterans and their families in Scotland
✅ support serving families alongside the veterans community

Applications are now open and close on Friday 20th November 2026.

For more information and to apply 👉 Government grants service

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: Scottish Government launch National Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway

The Scottish Government have today announced that Military veterans will be able to access timely and consistent help for their mental health and wellbeing regardless of their location in Scotland, following the roll-out of a national package of wrap-around support.

The new National Veterans Mental Health and Wellbeing Pathway, which will be delivered by Combat Stress, Help For Heroes Hidden Wounds Service and DMWS, working in partnership with local health boards,will give armed forces veterans the chance to access a range of services, including psychological therapies, health care and peer support tailored to their individual need.

The services provided through the Pathway seek to address gaps in mental health support identified by veterans and will complement existing services already provided by NHS Boards – such as acute mental health care.

To read the announcement in full 👉 https://www.gov.scot/news/supporting-armed-forces-veterans

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: Bonfire Night Wednesday 4th November FREE Community Event

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There will be no parking available in the areas of Adams Close, Earlshall Rd or any areas in the vicinity. The closest parking area will be in the car park near the Community Centre and Bright Horizons Nursery.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars Station: What's on in the Community Centre at Leuchars

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Contact the HIVE for more information: RC-Pers-HIVE-Scotland-0Mailbox@mod.gov.uk

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: The latest Newsletter and vacancies from the NHS Scotland AFTP Team as of 7th October 2026

The Armed Forces Talent Programme is an NHS Scotland-wide recruitment initiative for the armed forces community. 

It supports service leavers, veterans, spouses, partners, dependants, reservists, cadets, and cadet forces adult volunteers to enter our workforce.

Vacancies

See the AFTP newsletter here

For more information about the AFT programme - webpage

Edinburgh: Scotland's Festival of Remembrance Saturday 7th November

Presented by Royal British Legion Scotland in association with @poppyscotland this very special evening will bring people together through music, film and song to remember, reflect and pay tribute to all those who have served.

This year’s Festival will have a special focus on Afghanistan, telling the stories of those who served there and culminating in the Act of Remembrance.

🎺 The Band of His Majesty’s Royal Marines Scotland
🎺 The Band of the Royal Regiment of Scotland
🥁 The Royal Air Force Central Scotland Pipes and Drums
🎤 Amy Hawthorn
🎤  Ben Walker Scottish Young Artist of the Year

Scotland: Scottish Government's Welcome to Scotland Guide updated for 2026

The Scottish Government Welcome to Scotland guide has now been updated for 2026.

Welcome to Scotland is a guide to support service personnel and their families upon their move to Scotland. 

Due to the moving nature of service personnel and their families they can be transferred to different bases. 

This guide gives key information on what to expect when moving to Scotland.

To read the guide in full click on image above 👆

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Dalkeith: Wellbeing Through Archaeology on Mondays from 28th September to 7th December

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Looking for a friendly, supportive way to spend time outdoors, meet new people and try something different?

Archaeology Scotland is offering free Wellbeing Through Archaeology sessions for veterans, serving personnel and their families.

MOD ‘UK Nursery Authority’ childcare support: How to register and claim

From 1 September 2026, eligible working Service families who live in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland can get help with early years childcare costs.

If you would get 'free' (Government funded) childcare hours if based in England, Defence’s UK Nursery Authority (UKNA) childcare scheme will now help cover the difference in cost where you live.

It’s important to understand that UKNA does not give you a childcare space. It pays back money to eligible families who have already paid for early years childcare.

Who is eligible for UKNA

You may register for UKNA, if all the following apply:

• You are a Regular or Full-Time Reserve (Full Commitment) member of the Service
• Your family lives in Scotland, Wales or Northern Ireland
• Both parents (or the sole parent in a single-parent family) earn at least the same as 16 hours a week at the UK National Minimum or Living Wage
• Neither parent (or the sole parent) earns more than £100,000 adjusted net income a year
• Your child is recorded and verified on JPA
• Your child is aged 9 months to 3 years old, in Scotland and Wales ​
• Your child is aged 9 months to 4 years old, in Northern Ireland
• You have an active Tax-Free Childcare (TFC) account for your child: ‘active’ means you confirm your details every three months and get the top-up from HMRC when you add money
• Your childcare provider accepts TFC payments – all UKNA claims must first be paid through your child's TFC account
• Your child lives with you at least half the time, unless you're separated for Service reasons

How to register and claim

East Fife: Mobile Library Timetable for 24th of August - 9th October 2026

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For any queries about the Mobile Library service, please email https://www.onfife.com/.


Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

St Andrews: Save the date Sunday 20th September 1000 - 1400 St Andrews Linkfest

We are opening up to give an opportunity for our communities to learn about the why’s, how’s and what the Links are all about.

Fun and family friendly.

West Sands Road, St Andrews

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

St Andrews: West Sands Ranger Summer Beach Clean, Saturday 12th September 10am - 12pm

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An easy stroll on the beach collecting marine waste and litter.

All equipment provided. Dogs and accompanied children welcome

Meet by the Dook Cafe on the beach road, no need to book, dress for the weather!

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Fife: Welcome to Fife's What's on this week in Fife 23rd - 29th August

There's lots going in Fife just now. If you're looking for something to do next week check out Welcome to Fife's what's on guide for ideas and inspiration

Here's a summary:

🎨 Monday 24th
Creative Textile Workshop - Dunfermline

🏌 Thursday 27th
World Golf Museum Lecture – St Andrews

🕯 Friday 28th
Grass to Grill Tour – Bowhouse near St Monans
Anstruther Harbour Festival - on to 30th

General Sosabowski Wreath Laying Ceremony – Lundin Links
Candle Lighting Ceremony at The Graves of General Sosabowski’s Soldiers – Upper Largo

🏃 Saturday 29th
Kirkcaldy Parks Running Festival (also on 30th)
Harvest Festival & Sosabowski Weekend – Kirkcaldy
Phytomer Facial Discovery Afternoon at Kohler Spa – St Andrews
Paper Making Workshop – Newport on Tay
Craigtoun Kicks Ash Fire Walking – Criagtoun Park near St Andrews
The Art Of Feeling: Empowering Workshop – Dunfermline
Lime Mortar Course – Cambo Estate
Falkland Memorial wreath laying
Floral Dish Arrangement Class – St Monans

Leuchars: Bright Horizons Day Care Centre and UK Nursery Authority

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Further information can be found at Childcare for Service children - GOV.UK

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Moray: Moray Pathways Childcare Network Event Friday 21st August

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Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: Military Wives Choir, is on Mondays 18.00 - 19.30 in the Community Centre

Leuchars Military Wives Choir meet in the Community Centre on Monday evenings 1830-2000hrs

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: The next Veterans Breakfast Club at the Barrel & Bean Facility, Leuchars Station is on Tuesday 1st September

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If you are possession of a HM Armed Forces Veterans card, this will help with accessing the domestic site through a local arrangement.

These can be obtained via the link here https://www.gov.uk/veteran-card

Or application forms can be provided by emailing Jeff Watson

Breakfast is kindly paid for by Leuchars Station and Leuchars Community Council. 

For any further information please contact Jeff or Susan Budd via details on poster.

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Scotland: The Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) support packages to help get you started as a Childminder

If you're looking for a flexible career that fits around your own family life, the Scottish Childminding Association (SCMA) offers a fantastic package of support to help you get started through the Programme for Scotland's Childminding Future (PSCF).

The PSCF support package includes:
⭐ One-to-one support every step of the way from SCMA
⭐A minimum £750 business start-up grant
⭐ Free online training
⭐ Free SCMA membership for one year

Why become a childminder?
💛Contribute to children's learning and wellbeing
💛 Earn while caring for your own family
💛 Be your own boss
💛 Provide a vital service for families in your local community

To find out more about starting a career in childminding, visit:

👉Find out more about becoming a childminder

You can also attend one of SCMA's free online Discovery Sessions to learn more about how childminding could work for you.

👉Book a free Discovery Session

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Leuchars: NEW Yoga class at Leuchars Community Centre starting September 11th

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Spaces are limited, for more details 👉Be Yourself Presently

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE

Stirling: Combat Stress Veterans Recovery Network at Stirling Castle, Sat 5th September

After a fantastic first Veterans Recovery Network event at Stirling Castle, we’re bringing veterans together there again, on Saturday 5 September 2026 between 12pm and 2pm.

Taking place in one of Scotland’s most historic settings, the session will give veterans an opportunity to meet others, spend time together and connect in a relaxed, supportive environment.

The event is open to all veterans, including those who have never accessed Combat Stress. There is no expectation to share personal experiences or take part in any particular way. You are welcome to join in at a level that feels comfortable for you.

Led by veterans with lived experience of recovery, these sessions are designed to show that change is possible and that recovery is within reach.

This event is part of our Veterans Recovery Network, building local, accessible support across the UK. Thank you to the Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders Museum for providing the location.

Find out more and register your interest: https://combatstress.org.uk/veterans-recovery-network

Information provided by Leuchars HIVE