Campbeltown Courier - Letters to the Editor 20.12.24

Supporting homeless veterans: A call for greater action

Homelessness among veterans remains a significant issue in Scotland and across the UK. While many transition successfully to civilian life, some face challenges such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), mental health struggles, relationship breakdowns, and barriers to accessing housing and support services.

Charities like SSAFA, the Royal British Legion, Combat Stress, and Haig Housing Trust do exceptional work, often serving as vital lifelines for veterans in need. 

Their dedication is inspiring and deserving of the highest praise. However, the burden they carry is too great to be borne by charities alone.

The Scottish Executive and the UK Government must urgently step up their efforts. While policies like the Armed Forces Covenant and Scotland’s Housing Options for veterans are commendable, gaps in implementation leave too many veterans vulnerable.

Immediate action is needed to increase affordable housing, ensure accessible mental health services, and improve coordination between agencies so no veteran is left behind.

Our veterans have served the nation with courage and sacrifice. It is our duty to repay that service by ensuring they have the support they need to build stable, fulfilling civilian lives. 

Governments must act now to ensure no veteran is left without a safe place to call home.

Councillor Alastair Redman, Kintyre and the Islands ward.

2024 a year of positives as well as challenges

As another year stumbles to a close, it has been one dominated by what appears to be one of relentless bleakness on a global stage. Conflict in the Middle East and Ukraine, as well as a continuing cost-of-living crisis on our own shores.

However, there have been many positives to come out of 2024, which have maybe not grabbed the headlines and gained the profile merited.

New medical breakthroughs included the delivery of a new era of schizophrenia treatment, with the approval of the drug KarXT, and groundbreaking medical trials, like the world’s first mRNA lung cancer vaccine, offered a glimpse into a healthier future.

In the UK, renewable power overtook fossil fuel generation for the first time, and Norway became the first country in the world where electric cars outnumbered petrol cars.

Greece legalized same-sex marriage and adoption, becoming the first Orthodox Christian country to do so, and 642 million people voted in India’s general election, setting the record for the world’s largest election.

Meanwhile, the Paris Summer Olympics dazzled the world with extraordinary athletic performances, and the San Marino football team, who had previously never won a competitive match, won not one, but two.

In what may appear to a doom-laden year, let us spare a few moments to reflect on the many positives.

Alex Orr, Edinburgh.