Aberdeenshire Council leads the way in championing Armed Forces community
Aberdeenshire Council has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to serving personnel and veterans as it celebrates Armed Forces Week.
Provost of Aberdeenshire Judy Whyte hosted a celebration today (Monday) as the nation comes together to shows its support for the men and women who make up the Armed Forces community.
As part of Armed Forces Week, the council welcomed serving personnel, veterans, cadets, reservists, the Lord Lieutenancy, councillors and staff to a parade and flag-raising at Woodhill House.
Provost Whyte said: “Armed Forces Day is a time for us all to come together and pay tribute to the extraordinary dedication and sacrifice of our Armed Forces community – past, present and future. Today at Woodhill House, it was a privilege to stand alongside veterans, serving personnel, reservists and cadets, as well as honoured guests to raise the flag for the forthcoming week in their honour.
“This ceremony is more than a tradition – it is a heartfelt expression of gratitude for the invaluable role our Armed Forces play in protecting our freedoms and supporting communities here in Aberdeenshire and across the nation. We also recognise the families who stand behind them and the resilience and commitment that define this remarkable community.
“On Armed Forces Day, the people of Aberdeenshire reaffirm our respect, our thanks and our promise to never take their service for granted.”
The council continues to have very strong partnerships, meaningful connections and impactful work being delivered across the region in support of serving personnel, reservists, veterans, cadets and their families and takes great pride in being a leading local authority in supporting the military community.
Aberdeenshire Council first signed the Armed Forces Covenant in 2017, making a clear pledge to ensure that those who serve or have served in the Armed Forces – and their families – are treated fairly and are not disadvantaged.
This commitment has been further strengthened by the introduction of the Armed Forces Covenant Duty which places a legal obligation on the council to give due regard to the needs of the Armed Forces community in the design and delivery of education, housing and health services.
The Covenant aims to raise awareness of the unique challenges faced by the Armed Forces community while ensuring access to opportunities and support across public services and employment.
Aberdeenshire’s approach is underpinned by strong cross-party support and leadership, with Depute Provost Councillor Ron McKail serving as the council’s Armed Forces and Veterans Champion.
Many elected members bring personal insight to the role, with experience as veterans or as family members of serving personnel.
Councillors Alastair Forsyth and Gordon Lang further strengthen this commitment through their representation on the Highland Reserve Forces and Cadets Association, while a number of council employees also serve as Reservists, balancing their public service roles with military commitments.
Supporting children and young people from Armed Forces families remains a key priority and Aberdeenshire Council has worked closely with the Association of Directors of Education Scotland, contributing to national guidance to support Armed Forces children and families in schools and early years settings. Aberdeenshire currently has more than 500 children and young people in our schools who come from the Armed Forces community.
Locally, the council actively encourages participation in cadet forces, particularly among looked-after children and young people and it also encourages its employees to become adult volunteers in the cadet forces. Involvement in cadets offers opportunities to build confidence, develop teamwork skills and gain recognised qualifications, helping young people reach their full potential.
Aberdeenshire’s support for the Armed Forces community is embedded across council services. The Housing Allocations Policy has been shaped with input from the Veterans Aberdeenshire Group, ensuring that the needs of service leavers transitioning to civilian life are recognised and supported.
As an employer, the council continues to implement progressive policies to support Armed Forces personnel and their families within its workforce. These include:
• Paid special leave for Reservists to complete mandatory annual training
• Career break provisions to support deployment alongside Regular Forces
• Guaranteed job interviews for Armed Forces leavers who meet essential job criteria
• Flexible policies supporting staff who may be called upon during periods of operational demand
• Paid special leave for Cadet Forces Adult Volunteers to support annual cadet camps and for training
The annual parade at Woodhill House brings serving personnel and veterans together
The council also provides ongoing officer support to the Veterans Aberdeenshire Group, which brings together organisations, charities and individuals dedicated to supporting veterans across the region. This collaborative approach ensures services remain responsive, connected and effective.
Aberdeenshire Council continues to play a central role in recognising and celebrating the Armed Forces community. As part of Armed Forces Week, the council will host its annual event on June 22, featuring a veterans’ parade and the raising of the Armed Forces flag at Woodhill House.
In 2024, the council further demonstrated its appreciation by granting the Freedom of Aberdeenshire to The Royal Regiment of Scotland, marked by major community celebrations across the area.
The council’s efforts have earned national recognition, including the prestigious Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award awarded in 2019. Aberdeenshire remains a proud member of the Highland Gold Alumni, reflecting its sustained commitment to supporting defence personnel and their families.
Welcoming the council’s continued progress, Depute Provost and Armed Forces Champion, Councillor Ron McKail, said: “There is strong cross-party support in our council which demonstrates how we all work together for the benefit of our communities, in this case, the military community. This is also demonstrated through the support for our veterans, with many elected members attending Veterans Aberdeenshire meetings, several of whom are veterans themselves.
“It’s also important to recognise the work undertaken by council officers in respect of the Armed Forces. Chief Executive Jim Savege leads from the front, working alongside senior military personnel and partners to strengthen these important relationships. He is supported by dedicated officers who ensure a strong partnership between Aberdeenshire Council and the military community.
Provost of Aberdeenshire Judy Whyte hosts the annual Armed Forces Day celebration
“The council’s workforce includes veterans, spouses, partners of serving personnel and reservists, all of whom contribute valuable skills to the delivery of our services. It is very heartening that this commitment continues to be recognised through the Ministry of Defence Employer Recognition Scheme Gold Award.”
Aberdeenshire Council remains committed to building on this strong foundation, working in partnership with communities, organisations and the Armed Forces to ensure that those who serve, and have served, receive the support and recognition they deserve.
For more information on Aberdeenshire Council’s Armed Forces Covenant support, visit: https://www.aberdeenshire.gov.uk/communities/armed-forces
