Veterans commissioner visits garden project

Dumfries Veterans Garden enjoyed a visit from the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Lieutenant Commander Susie Hamilton, recently.

She was keen to find out more about the award-winning charity, set up nine years ago, which has won multiple honours and was awarded The Kings Award for Voluntary Services earlier this year.

The group of ex-forces personnel help other veterans in Dumfries and beyond and their families to provide a one-stop-shop to access friendship, mental health advice with counsellor Margaret Casey, practical help and outdoor skills.

The Veterans Garden is currently waiting to hear if they have been successful with an asset transfer application to Dumfries and Galloway Council for the land at the Crichton and historic glasshouses which they want to restore and bring back into use.

They are currently on a month-to-month lease for the site with the Crichton Trust.

The Scottish Veterans Commissioner is Edinburgh-born and served in the WRNS and the Royal Navy as an officer in the Marine Engineering Branch. She undertook a number of shore and sea appointments which included operational service in the Adriatic and the Gulf.

Her job includes working to improve outcomes and opportunities for veterans and their families in Scotland.

This involves championing the challenges they face and influencing policy makers to address any changes required in devolved public services so that their needs are met.

A spokesperson for the Dumfries Veterans Garden said: “A great visit from the Scottish Veterans Commissioner.

“Was great to meet you Suzie and thank you for taking time out of your busy day to pop in for a visit. Don’t be a stranger.”

She posted on Facebook: “Visited the award winning Veterans Garden Dumfries; a warm, welcoming place where veterans can relax and be themselves, make friends and access support if they need it.

“As well as growing flowers and veg, there are chickens, a woodwork shop and a new beehive.

“I really enjoyed meeting some of the veterans and community members (and their dogs) over a cup of tea and hearing how much this group means to them.”