Here for veterans and their families
Supporting and advising former members of our UK Armed Forces, reservists and their family members.
Lothians Veterans Centre is a small independent charity which supports military veterans and their families.
We operate a drop-in centre in Dalkeith and have a small team of staff who are readily available to tackle any challenge that arrives through our door.
It is a safe and welcoming environment that can provide instant assistance, support and advice in relation to a wide range of services, including health and wellbeing; housing; employment; benefits; pensions; further education and training; access to health services; welfare; comradeship; and activities.
Veterans can also just drop in for a brew and a chat!
Sometimes there's biscuits!
LATEST NEWS
Op Cairngorms Project Wild June 2025
Following on from our very successful Families and Female-only Weekends in 2025, LVC joined forces again with Operation Cairngorms to offer 10 male veterans the opportunity to attend a fun-packed WELLBEING RETREAT from Friday 5th June until Sunday 7th June 2026.
These retreats are set within a tranquil 50-acre ancient woodland in Royal Deeside, Aberdeenshire. They provide a supportive, restorative, and empowering environment to help men recalibrate and reconnect with themselves and others. These retreats aren’t simply about relaxation; they offer genuine opportunities to confront, understand, and transcend life’s challenges, creating lasting positive change. The retreats blend outdoor skill-building with personal reflection at a relaxed pace, ensuring individual needs are met.
First things first this isn’t glamping, but it’s not survival either.
The weekend is fully off-grid, providing an authentic yet comfortable wilderness experience. Facilities include composting toilets, off-grid shower facilities with running hot water, and wash points. Drinking water is brought onsite. Basic electrical needs are met through solar-powered charging stations for personal devices. Accommodation consists of yurts and bell tents.
Depending on the programme and conditions on the day, there is the opportunity to take part in a mix of hands-on and restorative activities:
• Bushcraft & fire lighting – simple outdoor skills and time connecting with nature
• Archery & axe throwing – safe, beginner-friendly sessions with full guidance
• Foraging & nature crafts – creating balms, energy bites, and woodland keepsakes
• Mindfulness in nature – guided practices for calm and reflection
• Wild swimming – an optional cold-water dip for those who’d like to try
• Nordic braiding & wood carving – creative, hands-on ways to relax and reconnect
A huge thank you to Stu and all the volunteers at Operation Cairngorms CIC for looking after our 10 intrepid adventurers.
Everyone had an amazing time taking part in axe throwing, wild swimming, and outdoor cooking. Yes, ladies, cooking! So, if your partner was on the Project Wild weekend, there are no more excuses! 
Thank you again to everyone involved for making it such a memorable experience.
Support
Support Us
“When you leave service life, you can often feel all at sea, unable to find your place in the world and unsure of your value to others …"
Supported by
