Armed Forces Community Comes Together for SVWA Big Day Out

Held in support of Armed Forces Day, the event was filled with fun, learning and community spirit from beginning to end. Visitors of all ages enjoyed an exciting programme of entertainment, interactive activities and opportunities to discover the wealth of support available to the Armed Forces community across Scotland. More than just a family fun day, the event celebrated the strength of partnership working between organisations committed to supporting those who serve, those who have served and their families.

From the moment visitors arrived, the atmosphere was buzzing with excitement. Families explored the wide range of activities on offer, children embraced opportunities to try something new, and veterans, serving personnel and members of the public enjoyed the chance to connect with organisations, volunteers and each other in a welcoming and inclusive environment.

An impressive range of organisations were exhibiting throughout the day. Information stands from military charities, public services and community organisations gave visitors the opportunity to learn more about the support available within the armed forces community. Representatives from organisations including Combat Stress, Help for Heroes, Forces Children Scotland, Forces Wives Challenge, DMWS, Cyrenians, Fresh Start, Sight Scotland, Archaeology Scotland, Veterans Tribe, Shared Parenting, the Royal Navy, Sea Cadets and many others spent the day speaking with visitors, offering advice, answering questions and showcasing the invaluable services they provide.

The event highlighted not only the breadth of support available across Scotland but also the remarkable collaboration that exists between organisations dedicated to improving the wellbeing of the Armed Forces community. Throughout the day, countless conversations took place, new connections were formed and visitors left with a greater understanding of the services, opportunities and networks available to them.

Alongside the information stands, there was no shortage of entertainment and hands-on activities. Storytelling sessions, face painting, arts and crafts, filmmaking workshops, mocktail making and flower bracelet creation ensured there was something to capture the imagination of visitors of every age.

The day was also honoured by a number of distinguished guests, including Louise Sandher-Jones, Minister for the Armed Forces, Susie Hamilton, Veterans Commissioner for Scotland, and The Rt Hon Robert Aldridge, Lord Provost of Edinburgh. The Lord Provost also took on the important role of judging the ever-popular Bravehound Dog Show. Faced with an impossibly high standard of canine competitors, he declared himself unable to choose an overall winner – ensuring every four-legged participant went home with a prize, much to the delight of their owners and the crowd alike. You can hear them talk about the importance of family and community in the Armed Forces on the day here.

The ever-popular Bravehound Dog Show was one of the highlights of the afternoon, attracting a fantastic crowd and showcasing the incredible work Bravehound does in supporting veterans through assistance dogs. The event brought smiles to faces young and old, with visitors thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to see the dogs in action while learning more about the important role they play in improving veterans’ lives. 

Another crowd favourite was the Talent Show, which celebrated the creativity, confidence and abilities of members of the Armed Forces community. Performers entertained the audience with a wonderful variety of acts, creating a supportive atmosphere where every participant received enthusiastic encouragement and well-deserved applause. 

Creativity was also celebrated in Through Our Eyes: Veterans’ Voices in Art, the SVWA Open Art Competition which showcased an impressive display of artistic talent from across the Armed Forces community. James McLeod was announced as the winner on the day: 

I was so pleased to be chosen for the Through Our Eyes: Veterans’ Voices in Art! As a veteran of our armed forces, it meant so much to me serving my country. It was friends, comradeship and a sense of belonging, and losing those things can be tough. It’s not always easy to move on from something that was such a large part of your life and sometimes under very challenging circumstances. For me, art has given me an outlet to put things into perspective and relax in a way that can take me to other places or make sense of things that are difficult to understand or need reflection or highlighting, an escapism if you like. I find enjoyment peace and often clarity and focus in a world which is sometimes difficult to understand.

The People’s Choice Award was won by Chloe Aldridge for her piece ‘Rising of the Phoenix’, also pictured.

The Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement (CMREPE) was proud to support the event alongside Edinburgh Napier University, with cadets from the University’s Officer Training Corps (OTC) and Sea Cadets playing a key role throughout the day. 

The cadets were outstanding ambassadors, engaging with visitors, sharing their experiences and inspiring young people to learn more about the opportunities available through the cadet forces. Their professionalism, enthusiasm and willingness to answer questions demonstrated the confidence, leadership and teamwork that the cadet experience helps to develop.

One of the busiest attractions throughout the day was the Officer Training Corps’ virtual reality system, which gave visitors an exciting opportunity to experience military training in an immersive and engaging way. Visitors eagerly took part, gaining an insight into the teamwork, leadership and decision-making skills developed through military training. The interactive experience proved incredibly popular and became a real talking point, encouraging many to find out more about joining the cadets.

Reflecting on the success of the event, Professor Gerardine Matthews-Smith Director Centre for M, Director at the Centre for Military Research Education Practice and Engagement, said:  

The success of the Big Day Out was a testament to the dedication of the many volunteers, partner organisations and supporters who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to bring the event together. Every activity, every conversation and every smiling face reflected the shared commitment to supporting Scotland’s Armed Forces community and ensuring that veterans and their families feel connected, valued and supported.

Events like the Big Day Out demonstrate the very best of what can be achieved when organisations work together with a common purpose. Whether visitors came to enjoy the entertainment, meet the assistance dogs, explore the information stands, discover new opportunities through the cadets or simply spend time with family and friends, everyone left having experienced the warmth, generosity and camaraderie that defines the Armed Forces community

The Centre for Military Research, Education and Public Engagement extends its sincere thanks to Scotland’s Veterans Wellbeing Alliance, every participating organisation, volunteer, cadet and visitor who helped make the event such an outstanding success. The enthusiasm, kindness and community spirit shown throughout the day created an event that will be remembered long after the final activity had ended, and everyone involved looks forward to building on its success in the years to come.

The SVWA would like to thank all the Alliance members, the veterans, serving personnel, families, and members of the public who made our Armed Forces Big Day Out such a fantastic event!