Latest News

Dr Alethea McHardy Completed 300km Walk

What an astounding achievement by Dr Alethea McHardy.

She has officially completed her 300km walk across Scotland ending her travels in Portlethen Bay, Aberdeen.

Dr Alethea endured typical Scottish weather, ranging from a wee bit sun to snow and ice, all with a smile on her face!

She has managed to raise the impressive amount of just over £2000 all in aid of LVC and we are so grateful for her efforts.

Thank you again and well done Dr Alethea McHardy

There is still time to donate if you can:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/alethea-mchardy

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⭐️⭐️⭐️ 7 HILLS - 16 MILES - 1 DAY 👏👏👏

Please join us in thanking Veterans Champions, Janie, Heather, Karen and Joshua, for taking on The Seven Hills of Edinburgh to raise money for LVC.

They have raised an amazing £1,210 (+£278.75 Gift Aid) and they anticipate more donations filtering through in the next day or so.

They said they really enjoyed the challenge as it was an opportunity to raise money for LVC and spend some time together.

You are all awesome and we salute you!

Female Veteran and CEO, Pauline, with her winner trophy at the Scottish Veterans Awards

Scottish Veterans Awards 2026

What an awesome night the LVC team had at the Scottish Veterans Awards last night (29th April) at the stunning Prestonfield House.

It was made all the more special by our CEO, Pauline, winning ‘Inspiration of the Year’ for her trailblazing work with female veterans and dedication and commitment to the Veterans’ Community.

There were so many inspirational people at the event last night and so many deserving winners! CONGRATULATIONS to everyone who was nominated for awards, you’re all winners!

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British War Veterans of America - £4000 Donation

After serving in the British Armed Forces for 15 years, one of our service users, Alex Abel, emigrated to the United States. During his time there, he became an active member of the British War Veterans of America, eventually rising through the ranks to serve as President.

The British War Veterans of America was formed in 1919 by British servicemen who had either returned from war or settled in New York. In the aftermath of the First World War, the organisation focused on something deeply important: maintaining the bonds of camaraderie forged during wartime. For many veterans, these shared experiences were difficult to replicate in civilian life, particularly in a new country.

What made the organisation especially notable was its ability to blend social connection with charitable purpose. Its gatherings, including social evenings, were not simply opportunities to meet they also played a vital role in raising funds to support veterans in need, including those beyond its membership, as well as their families. In this way, every event contributed to helping less fortunate ex-servicemen and women and their children.

Unfortunately, after 107 years of existence, the British War Veterans of America is in the process of closing down. Following extensive discussions with Alex and his committee, a generous donation of £4,000 has been made to Lothians Veterans Centre, ensuring that the legacy of supporting veterans and their families will continue.

Scottish Veterans Funding Announcement

We are delighted to be included among the organisations that received funding from the Scottish Veterans Fund 2026-28, which was announced on 4 March 2026.

This funding with contribute towards our drop-in centre, which offers a range of holistic, person-centred advice and support to veterans and families primarily in the Lothians.

You can find out more about the funding here: Help for veterans and families – gov.scot

Mr Dey said:

“The Scottish Veterans Fund has supported thousands of veterans and their families with services such as financial support, employability and by helping them cope with mental and physical health challenges.

“This year’s funding allocations will continue to provide targeted support for our Armed Forces and veterans community across Scotland, and prioritise projects that address recommendations made by the Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton.

“The Scottish Government is committed to supporting service personnel and their families – past or present, living or based in Scotland – and to ensuring they have access to all the help, support and public services they require.”

Scottish Veterans Commissioner Susie Hamilton said:

“It was greatly encouraging to see such a strong field of high-quality applications from organisations across the length and breadth of Scotland.

“I warmly welcome the increase in funding to £600,000 this year, enabling support for a greater number of impactful projects. I was particularly pleased to note proposals that align closely with recommendations made by my predecessors and me, including in the areas of justice and financial wellbeing, and those reaching the less heard from parts of the veteran community.”

Three girls holding a large cheque for LVC

YPI WINNERS!! 🥳🎉🙌

You may remember we posted a few weeks ago about Jade, Elizabeth and Sonia, a group of school pupils from St David’s RC High School in Dalkeith, who chose LVC as their nominated charity for YPI Scotland.

Well, they’ve only gone and won £3000 for our charity!

We are SO proud of them and all their dedication and hard work. Their presentation at the finals this morning was, by far, head and shoulders above the other 4 finalist groups. It was evident that they have worked tirelessly to research our charity and the issues affecting the Veterans and families we support. They delivered an interesting, professional, articulate and thorough presentation about our work at LVC and it was clear that they were well prepared and knowledgeable in their subject matter, not least because Elizabeth’s parents and grandparents served in the Army and Royal Navy respectively!

Please join us in showing our immense gratitude and in wishing them congratulations for such a great job and for choosing us as their nominated charity.

The girls’ valiant efforts and achievements will be recognised when they visit the centre again on 25th March 2026.

WELL DONE AND A MASSIVE THANK YOU. YOU SHOULD BE EXTREMELY PROUD OF YOURSELVES! WE SALUTE YOU!