Tuesday December 16th 2025
Midlothian Council's Month of the Military Child flag, designed by the P7 pupil Sophia Pang from Mauricewood Primary School back in 2024.
Written by Midlothian View Reporter, Liam Eunson
Midlothian Councillors today approved the Midlothian Armed Forces Covenant Plan, 2025-2030.
The revised plan sets out a strategic framework to ensure that individuals who have served in the Armed Forces, including their families and bereaved, do not face disadvantabes in accessing public services.
The updated 5-year plan sets out a clear vision, which is: “to improve outcomes for serving personnel, veterans, reservists and their families by understanding their needs through data, lived experience and strong collaborative partnerships.”
As part of the plan, Midlothian Council have stated they are committed to:
– Raising awareness of the Armed Forces Covenant and associated statutory duty.
– Strengthening understanding of the needs of our Armed Forces communities.
– Reducing barriers to support by accessing targeted funding opportunities.
– Ensuring representation at both local and national Armed Forces Covenant meetings.
– Securing representation of the Armed Forces community within the Midlothian Community Planning Board.
– Reviewing the plan annually and identifying further improvement areas.
Councillors also heard about the introduction of a pupil support programme for Armed Forces Pupils which launched in November, following a successful award of £133,550 from the Armed Forces Covenant Fund.
Known as the Midlothian Informed Personal Support Approaches (MIPSA), the programme will be open to all pupils with parents in regular service in the Armed Forces and will run for two years.
The programme will offer various opportunities for military children to build confidence, boost academic attainment and receive bespoke learning support packages.
The report presented to the council explained that the plan does not require any additional financial resources from the Council at this time. However, successful implementation is contingent upon the active engagement of key staff and elected members from both the Council and partner organisations, in line with the responsibilities outlined in the plan.
Councillor Pauline Winchester, Armed Forces and Veterans Champion, said:
“I am proud to reaffirm Midlothian Council’s commitment to the Armed Forces Covenant. This Covenant is more than a pledge, it is a promise that those who serve, have served, and their families will be treated with fairness, respect, and gratitude for the sacrifices they make on behalf of our nation.
“Midlothian has a long and proud association with the Armed Forces, from the historic presence of Glencorse Barracks to the many veterans, reservists, and service families who enrich our communities.
“This Covenant reflects a shared responsibility across local government, health services, businesses, third sector, and the wider community.
“Together, we will continue to build strong partnerships, promote understanding, and deliver practical support that makes a real difference to the lives of service personnel, veterans, and their families.”
For the full report click here.
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