Veterans Aberdeenshire

Highland Roots Programme – Expression of Interest Form

The expression of interest form for the Highland Roots programme a new 10‑week nature‑based programme for members of the Armed Forces community.

If you are interested. Please fill out the form below.

https://forms.cloud.microsoft/pages/responsepage.aspx?id=BNQQKGpnR0q27lJjkSYzvea7UpjjSwBDlM3RWnmerEVUMUc4RFNNTEcyMUFHQzVGRDBZMDJIUzA3NS4u&route=shorturl

Turn to Starboard and Invictus Games Birmingham 2027

The unexpected visit of two traditionally rigged tall ships – Pellew and Spirit of Falmouth – to the Port of Aberdeen on 2nd May provided a great opportunity for Armed Forces veterans to have exclusive access to the vessels and provided a chance to network with other veterans and crew.

Turn to Starboard and Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 have launched Full Circle, a 2000-natical-mile circumnavigation of the UK by these two tall ships.

The 12 week sailing expedition is carrying the Invictus Games Flag around the UK ahead of Birmingham 2027, calling at various ports throughout the 4 nations. The voyage highlights the work the Turn to Starboard do using sailing as non-clinical therapeutic adventure as part of a veteran recovery journey.

Highland Roots Programme.

The Defence Gardens Scheme (DGS), in partnership with The Seed Box, is pleased to invite referral partners to an online information session and Open Day introducing Highland Roots, a new 10‑week nature‑based programme for members of the Armed Forces community.

Delivered at Glen Tanar Walled Garden and facilitated by The Seed Box, this free programme provides a supportive environment where participants can engage in practical horticulture, conservation activities, green skills development and nature connection to support wellbeing and recovery.

Please find attached the programme flyer outlining the proposed delivery dates and overview of activities.

As valued referral partners, we would welcome the opportunity to introduce the programme in more detail, discuss intended outcomes, participant pathways and referral opportunities ahead of programme commencement.

Thursday 25 June 2026
Glen Tanar Walled Garden 10am – 2pm

We would be delighted if you or a representative from your organisation could join us.

Port of Aberdeen

Armed Forces Veterans – Invitation to Mess Deck Morning on Saturday 2nd May

Turn to Starboard and Invictus Games Birmingham 2027 have launched Full Circle, a 2,000-nautical mile circumnavigation on of the UK by two tall ships.

Full Circle is a 12-week sailing expedition on carrying the Invictus Games Flag around the UK ahead of Birmingham 2027. Two traditionally rigged tall ships – Pellew and Spirit of Falmouth – will undertake the 2,000-nautical-mile journey, calling at various
ports throughout the 4 nations

You are invited to the Mess Deck Morning on Saturday 2nd May from 9am to noon, to drop in throughout the morning for breakfast, exclusive access to these spectacular vessels and a chance to network with other veterans and crew.

Veterans/Ex-Military Breakfast, Banff - Saturday 4th April

NoW’s next Veterans/Ex-Military Breakfast is this Saturday, 4th April at the Spotty Bag Shop restaurant in Banff. For those new to the mailing list, the breakfasts are open to Veterans/Ex-military and their families/carers.

To book a place or places, please can you email [email protected] or call 01466 793732 - by 12 noon on Friday 3rd March at the latest - we need to advise numbers in advance for catering purposes.

Sea Cadets: Volunteer Opportunities at Fraserburgh

Volunteers needed!

The Sea Cadets unit at Fraserburgh is looking for enthusiastic Adult Volunteers to help inspire the next generation of cadets through adventure, teamwork, and maritime skills.
None of the opportunities available to the young people of (No 419) Training Ship Gowanlea would be possible without its amazing volunteers.

Could you be the unit’s next superhero? Why volunteer with the unit? No prior military experience needed — just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn. Full training provided, including nationally recognised qualifications (for example Royal Yachting Association, British Canoe Union).

Flexible roles to suit availability and interests. Be part of a nationally recognised youth organisation.

Volunteer roles available:
• Unit Instructor – lead fun and educational activities for cadets.
• Watersports Instructor – teach kayaking, sailing, rowing, and more.
• Trustees – the unit is also seeking new trustees to help ensure the safe and smooth running of training and activities from behind the scenes.
• Or bring your own skills — photography, IT, social media, coaching, teaching, mentoring, driving — all talents welcomed!

What you’ll gain

A chance to give back and support young people. New skills and qualifications. A supportive community and lifelong friendships. The satisfaction of helping cadets grow into confident, capable young adults.

Interested? Email the team at: [email protected]

Home - Sea Cadets Fraserburgh

Bereavement Cafe at Networks of Wellbeing

Networks of Wellbeing are starting a Bereavement Cafe - a place for people to get together and meet others who are going through similar experiences.

Whether people are recently bereaved, or lost someone a while ago, we hope that this will be a space where they will feel less alone.

The first Cafe will take place at Networks of Wellbeing in Huntly, on Thursday 15th January between 1 and 2:30pm on an informal drop-in basis

Veterans/Ex-military Breakfasts and Brew and a Blether.

The next breakfasts will be as follows:

• Banff - Saturday 7th February
• Rothiemay - Saturday 21st February

No breakfasts in January.

Next Brew and a Blether - Wednesday 21st January at NoW in Huntly.

Wishing you a very Happy and Healthy 2026.

Brew & a Blether / Rothiemay Veterans/Ex-Military Breakfast / NoW Fundraiser

• Wednesday 15th October - Veterans/Ex-Military Brew & a Blether at Networks of Wellbeing, Huntly. Drop-in between 10am and 2pm.

• Saturday 18th October - Veterans/Ex-Military Breakfast, Forbes Arms Rothiemay - 10am to 11:30am. Restaurant can hold up to 24 people so please can you let me know by 12 noon on Friday 17th October if you will be joining us. Thank you.

• Networks of Wellbeing (BYOB) fundraiser featuring the RAF Lossiemouth Voluntary Band. Friday 14th November 7:30pm to 9:30pm (with thanks to the Board at NOW for organising this). Tickets on sale via te QR code on the poster; or by emailing [email protected] or [email protected]; by calling 01466 793732; or by coming in to see us at 34 West Park Street, Huntly AB54 8DY.

Please see flyer about the next Brew & a Blether.

You will see that, for the Autumn and Winter, we have changed the day back to the 3rd Wednesday of the month.

Please note that the get together on the 17th will be shorter than usual.

The get together will be from 10am to 12:15pm and we hope to see you there.

In October we will revert back to the 3rd Wednesday of the month from 10am to 2pm.