Hosted by Lord Provost Robert Eldridge, the guests heard how the charity has grown since it began in 1915 to become the leading provider of homes for disabled veterans in Scotland.

For more than a century, the charity has provided safe homes and steady support for those who served our country. Scottish Veterans Garden City Association as it was known then began in 1915 when returning soldiers faced overcrowded housing, poverty, and few realistic opportunities.

A group of people in Edinburgh, led by Lord Salvesen, who had lost two sons in the war, decided to act. They raised funds, built homes, created small communities, and gave disabled veterans a chance to rebuild their lives. Their work set the foundation for everything we do today.

Kevin Gray, chief executive, said that the legacy continues across Scotland today. He said: “We now support 630 veterans and their families in homes that remain affordable and stable. These homes matter. They offer security for people who secured our today. Now they need your support to secure their futures.

“Our history is long; however, our purpose has stayed the same. We want every veteran in our homes to feel safe, supported, and able to move forward with confidence. That starts with people. Scotland is home to more than 176,000 veterans. Many manage well, but some face real difficulties. Poor health, low income, or long periods of isolation can make life harder. Demand for our homes continues to rise. We received more than 200 applications last year and saw only 19 tenancy changes.

“To meet these needs, we strengthened our tenancy sustainment service. Our Visiting Officers now cover every region and made more than 700 visits last year. They link beneficiaries to health, welfare, and social care services. Our partnership with the Defence Medical Welfare Service has added extra support for those with complex needs. We also introduced an Income Maximisation Officer to help people secure the help they are entitled to. These small steps can make a real difference to a family’s stability.”

He added: “We also focus on our properties. We manage 630 homes, most built in the 1950s. Upkeep is challenging and expensive. Our average rent is £316 per month, so affordability stays at the centre of our work. This keeps veterans safe, but it restricts our ability to grow and modernise at pace. Last year we spent £2 million on property works. This year it will rise to around £4 million. A full stock survey is underway so we can plan responsibly for the next decade.

“We are creating new routes into housing. Through our 25 by 2025 project, we work with councils and housing associations to secure nomination-rights homes. This gives us more options for disabled veterans without needing to buy each property. It is a practical, workable approach and one we want to expand.

“As we celebrate 110 years, we look ahead with the same purpose that guided those who began this work in 1915. We build lives and build communities. We stand with the men and women who protected our country. Now we ask you to stand with them.”