Scotland’s Largest Armed Forces Membership Charity to Make History with Weekend Conference in Dumfries

Legion Scotland, Scotland’s largest Armed Forces membership charity, is to make history as it hosts their Annual Conference at The Bridge in Dumfries.

For the first time in 20 years, the conference will be held outside of Perth, where members have been gathering each year to discuss charity business.

Between 16 and 18 of May, more than 150 members, trustees, military personnel, and staff will meet to discuss comradeship for Scotland’s veterans community, and will hear from speakers that include the Lord-Lieutenant of Dumfries, Dr Fiona Armstrong, Provost of Dumfries, Councillor Maureen Johnstone, the Scottish Veterans Commissioner, Lt Cdr (ret’d) Susie Hamilton, the national president of Legion Scotland, Rear Admiral Mark Beverstock, the national chair of Legion Scotland, Lt Cdr Martyn Hawthorn MBE. An officer from 6 SCOTS will provide an update on the Armed Forces in Scotland.

Legion Scotland will also welcome guests from partner charities, such as Poppyscotland, the Royal British Legion, the Royal British Legion Scotland Women’s Section, and the Royal Canadian Legion.

Legion Scotland have held Annual Conferences since their first was held in 1923. They have only ceased to occur during 1940 and 1944, owing to World War Two, 1950, due to concerns surrounding the Cold War, and during the Covid years of 2020 and 2021.

Typically, they provide opportunities for members to input to the strategy of the charity, to discuss the needs of the Armed Forces community, as well as ensuring Legion Scotland members can hear from other Armed Forces charities on their work to support the community.

Commenting on the upcoming conference, CEO of Legion Scotland, Dr Claire Armstrong OBE, said: “Annual conferences are a favourite permanent feature of our members’ calendars. They provide an opportunity for members to share their views on the direction of the charity, as well as providing multiple opportunities to enjoy the benefits of comradeship with other members.

“I would like to thank Dumfries and Galloway council for their support in providing us a venue, and for their engagement with us throughout the year. I must also thank our guest speakers for the insight that they will bring, and wish all members an enjoyable, prosperous annual conference.”

Dumfries and Galloway Council Armed Forces Champion Councillor Archie Dryburgh MBE said: “Dumfries and Galloway Council is extremely privileged to welcome the Royal British Legion Scotland Annual Conference to Dumfries between 16 and 18 May.

“For Dumfries to be the first town outside of Perth to host the Legion Scotland Annual Conference is an honour in itself and demonstrates the positive profile and excellent facilities of this part of the country.

“Our council has been extremely supportive of this happening and, as the Armed Forces Champion, I am certain that it will be a successful event and we welcome this opportunity to show our pride, gratitude and respect to all legionnaires while they are in Dumfries and Galloway over the period of the conference.”

ENDS