Welcome to Scotland: A guide for Service personnel and their families in Scotland (updated 2026)
Welcome to Scotland is a guide to support service personnel and their families upon their move to Scotland. Due to the moving nature of service personnel and their families they can be transferred to different bases. This guide gives key information on what to expect when moving to Scotland.
Foreword
On behalf of the Scottish Government, I am pleased to extend a warm welcome to you and your family as you arrive in Scotland. Scotland has long shared a strong and enduring relationship with the Armed Forces community, and we are deeply proud of our longstanding military tradition.
The Armed Forces community makes a significant contribution to our nation, and I am dedicated to representing your interests and to ensuring that Service families receive the support and care they need during their time in Scotland, as well as delivering the aims of the Armed Forces Covenant.
Having recently been appointed to the role of Minister for Veterans, I look forward to building on the excellent work of my predecessor Graeme Dey. Like Graeme I am passionate about championing your interests and have great pride in the progress that has already been made to strengthen the respect, support and recognition given to the Armed Forces community here in Scotland.
We understand the value of building strong links between the Armed Forces and wider, local communities, and this guide has been developed with that in mind. Welcome to Scotland is designed to assist you as you settle in, providing helpful information on important matters such as housing, education, healthcare and employment.
I trust that you will find this resource beneficial and that you and your family will enjoy everything that life in Scotland has to offer.
Jamie Hepburn MSP, Minister for Veterans
Contact
Email: veteransunit@gov.scot