A SUPPORT fund for initiatives that improve the lives of former service personnel in Helensburgh and Lomond and their families is now open.

A priority for this year’s Scottish Veterans Fund – which has doubled to £500,000 – is projects that support veterans who have left the services early.

Bids that promote collaboration between the veterans charity sector and other bodies are also being prioritised.

Since the fund’s inception in 2008 more than 180 projects have been supported receiving more than £1.7 million. The increase to £500,000 means individual projects can now bid for up to £50,000 a year.

Veterans’ secretary Keith Brown said: “Our veterans community is a tremendous asset to society and deserves the best possible care and support.”

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