An event in Edinburgh later this month will help heal some of the ‘hidden’ scars’ suffered by armed forces personnel in conflicts from the Second World War to Afghanistan.
The Royal Scots Club will host the fundraising evening on Friday 20 May in aid of Combat Stress, the UK’s leading military charity specialising in the care of veterans’ mental health. It is one of the charities selected by Prince William and Kate Middleton to benefit from donations in lieu of wedding gifts.
Clive Fairweather, a former SAS deputy commander and Chief Inspector of Prisons in Scotland who will be hosting one of the tables, commented: “Combat Stress is dealing with more than 1,000 referrals for ex-members of the army, navy and air force living in Scotland. They are victims of the hidden scars of war.”
Proceeds from the black tie evening, which will include entertainment and dancing, will go to Combat Stress’ Scottish treatment centre at Hollybush House, Ayr. The charity’s Scottish Chairman, military historianTrevor Royle, will speak.
Some 60% of the charity’s funding for Scotland is provided by the Scottish Government but the remainder has to come from private sources. Clive Fairweather added: “We are delighted and humbled that the Royal Scots Club is making its premises available for this event. Every penny is needed to help these men and women who are suffering from a psychological condition related to their service career.”
The event will also mark completion of a £1.5 million refurbishment and extension of the Club, including the new Princess Royal Suite opened by Princess Anne, its patron, in January.
Tickets (£50) for the event are available from the Royal Scots Club. Tel. 0131-556 4270 or email [email protected].