As the country prepares to remember those who gave their life for their country, Fife’s armed forces champion issued a reminder of those who have returned.
Councillor Charles Haffey is responsible for promoting Fife’s armed forces convenant, an agreement with the veteran community that they will be treated fairly.
Already a number of local companies, Fife Chamber of Commerce, Fife Council, NHS Fife and Police Scotland are signed up to the charter which pledges that ex-servicemen and women will not suffer disadvantage in civilian life.
Mr Haffey, who served in the Royal Navy, urged employers and other organisations to commit to the agreement, which he said had benefits for both sides.
He said: “The first thing I ask businesses when I visit is whether they are signed up to the covenant, and sometimes they haven’t even heard of it.
“I then explain why signing up would be in their interest.
“People think because you have been in the army you can fire a gun, but ex-servicemen can offer employers so much more than that.
“Being in the armed forces gives you a lot of skills, it teaches you leadership, about working as a team and in isolation, and these are real tangible benefits for employers.
“When employers sit down with us they realise there’s no such thing as an ordinary soldier, airman or sailor, we have a lot of skills and can make a positive contribution.
“Some businesses who have signed up will guarantee veterans an interview or will take on a percentage of veterans and the charter has also helped make employers more responsive to the needs of army reservists.”
Mr Haffey said the covenant was also aimed at helping veterans settle into civilian life in many ways, with organisations signed up briefed on unique difficulties they can face.
He said: “It reflects awareness of the challenges and problems they can face, particularly during the transition period when they are coming out of the military.
“Many of us lived in forces accommodation and where do you go when you start looking for a council house? Where do you sign on?
“These are things that often people in civilian life take for granted but if you have been in the forces is something you’ve never had to do and it can be quite daunting.”
Information about the covenant can be obtained from Fife Council.
Today people across Fife will fall silent on the 11th hour to remember the sacrifices made.
On Remembrance Sunday parades will be held to war memorials across the region, including in Dunfermline (10.40pm), Kirkcaldy (10.30am), Glenrothes (10.30am) Leven (10.55am), Cupar (10.45am), St Andrews (9.40am) and Tayport (10.30am).
Members of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards, based at Leuchars Station, will take part in the parades at Cupar, St Andrews, Balmullo, St Michaels and Leuchars.
